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In lieu of flowers

Please consider giving to a fundraiser for Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization.

Background

Paula found joy in watching the baby sea turtles emerge from their nests and take their first journey into the ocean. Your contribution will go towards sponsering a turtle nest in the 2024 season. Contribute   Right arrow
Funds are being collected and disbursed by Mindy DeBenedetto, Paula's daughter.

Updates

Update from Sept. 22, 2025

September 21, 2025

Two years ago today, my beautiful Ma left this earth.

Three days ago, I saw a post from the Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization that hatchlings emerged from a nest and that they were inviting the public to watch as they checked the nest contents to look for and release any hatchlings that had not emerged on their own on Sunday, Sept 21. “What are the chances?” I thought. I was going to Sunset Beach this weekend with Uncle C, Michelle, Brii, Nikki, Krista, and Dae to celebrate my Mom’s life. “Imagine if this is my Mom’s nest!” I said.

Today, I ran up to the nest and asked one of the amazing volunteers what nest number it was. “35,” she said. My jaw dropped; it was hers.

We got to watch the last sea turtle emerge from its shell and bravely make its way down to the great big ocean. The nest contained 151 eggs, and 140 of them had already made it to the ocean.

So many of you graciously donated to sponsor a nest for her beloved sea turtles. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And a big thank you to the wonderful sea turtle volunteers for your kindness today and for devoting your time and love to care for these babies.

Thanks for the unbelievable sign and the opportunity to experience this amazing miracle, Ma. ☮️💚🐢

Recent contributions

Keith O'Connor
Feb. 19, 2026, 8:27 a.m. EST
Aug. 10, 2025, 3:26 p.m. EDT
Aug. 8, 2025, 9:45 p.m. EDT
Aug. 8, 2025, 8:32 p.m. EDT
June 1, 2024, 6:58 p.m. EDT
March 4, 2024, 4:15 p.m. EST
Valerie Brachulis
Jan. 25, 2024, 3:05 p.m. EST
Anonymous
Nov. 14, 2023, 12:19 p.m. EST
Keith O'Connor
Nov. 6, 2023, 8:24 p.m. EST
Dom, Derek, Darcy and Devon
Submitted by Dominique Lee on Oct. 21, 2023, 8:03 a.m. EDT
Cousins, Jean, Audry, Emily, Dorothy and families
Submitted by Anthony Mancuso on Oct. 16, 2023, 9:43 p.m. EDT
Oct. 3, 2023, 4:53 p.m. EDT
Oct. 3, 2023, 12:11 p.m. EDT
Anonymous
Oct. 3, 2023, 12:13 a.m. EDT
Sabrina & Matt Lunde
Oct. 1, 2023, 12:53 p.m. EDT

Other contributions

Anonymous
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Nov. 14, 2023, 12:16 p.m. EST
Anonymous
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Nov. 10, 2023, 5:30 p.m. EST
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Nov. 9, 2023, 8:02 p.m. EST
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Nov. 1, 2023, 10:13 a.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 31, 2023, 11:18 a.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 24, 2023, 1:06 p.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 23, 2023, 4:46 p.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 19, 2023, 8:59 a.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 7, 2023, 11:19 a.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 4, 2023, 10:31 a.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 3, 2023, 3:06 p.m. EDT
Anonymous
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 3, 2023, 12:17 a.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 2, 2023, 9:20 a.m. EDT
Michele Davidson
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 1, 2023, 1:00 p.m. EDT
Sabrina & Matt Lunde
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 1, 2023, 12:52 p.m. EDT
Donna Serrano
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Oct. 1, 2023, 5:24 a.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Sept. 30, 2023, 11:21 p.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Sept. 30, 2023, 7:31 p.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Sept. 30, 2023, 12:02 p.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Sept. 30, 2023, 9:58 a.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Sept. 30, 2023, 9:26 a.m. EDT
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Sept. 30, 2023, 9:19 a.m. EDT
Robert Fairclough
Gave to Be The Light Campaign in memory of Paula
Sept. 30, 2023, 8:12 a.m. EDT

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Paula DeBenedetto