Okatie, SC, June 15, 2021– Port Royal Sound Foundation (PRSF) announces the posthumous gift of local
environmental educator, Bob Bender. Upon his passing in 2020, PRSF was bequeathed Mr. Bender’s
estate which generated meaningful and significant support for the Foundation’s important work.
Bob was a long-time supporter of the local environment and community, spending much of his time
educating the Lowcountry on our unique saltmarsh ecology. Beginning with the North Street Aquarium
in Beaufort and later opening the Lowcountry Estuarium in Port Royal, Bob’s love for the local
environment was intangible. Bob enjoyed connecting with children and sharing his passion at schools
and festivals. You could always count on Bob to help educate people about the Port Royal Sound. Bob
was an educator, and activist, an artist, and a champion for our unique coastal environment. One of the
Port Royal Sound Foundation’s most loyal supporters, Bob donated a significant amount of his time and
in-kind goods to the Foundation’s Maritime Center over the years, and the ever-popular touch-tank in
the Maritime Center is dedicated in his memory. His last gift to the Foundation by way of estate
planning will make a significant and lasting impact on the future of the Port Royal Sound Foundation.
Mr. Bender’s gift greatly enhances his immense impact on the preservation of the Port Royal Sound. We
remain extremely grateful for his passion and dedication to our local environment and for his generosity
over the years.
Dean Moss, PRSF Chairman
The Port Royal Sound Foundation opened the Maritime Center in November 2014 on the shores of the
Chechessee River and has welcomed more than 125,000 visitors through its doors. The Maritime Center
is a museum with exhibits and aquariums full of native species that help educate visitors and build their
appreciation for this unique body of water. Tours, field trips, special events, forums, presentations, art
shows, summer camps and more are available to the public, and admission to the Maritime Center is
free. The success and continued growth of the Foundation depends on the generosity of donors, grants,
programming, special events and strategic partnerships.
The Port Royal Sound Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is dedicated to the betterment and conservation
of the waters and lands of the unique salt marsh ecosystem that is the Port Royal Sound estuary system.
Their mission is to preserve the Port Royal Sound for the environmental, cultural and economic well being of our area.
If you would like more information about planned giving, please contact Julia Haddick at 843-645-7774
or email at jhaddick@portroyalsoundfoundation.org.