Providing access to economically challenged youth to experience sailing, skiing, and scuba, Benjo’s most loved sports, which inspire confidence and self-reliance.
Providing informational materials to educate water sport enthusiasts of all ages on the prevention of Shallow Water Blackout.
Our Mission
The Live Like Benjo Foundation exists to help prevent Shallow Water Blackout and inspire others to live a passion-filled life like Benjamin “Benjo” C. Haller.
Our IPAs
(Inspire, Provide and Awareness) guiding us in our initiatives.
INSPIRE people to live the code of Benjo
PROVIDE opportunities for people to live life to the fullest
AWARENESS to those who love the water to the risks of shallow water/hypoxic blackouts, and how to prevent them
Who we reach
The youths who benefit from our opportunities are local kids from all backgrounds and situations who, due to their circumstances, financial or otherwise, may not have the ability to experience these activities.
We partner with community organizations that support such families and kids in order to do so.
We work hard to reach as many individuals, of ALL AGES, with education about Shallow Water/Hypoxic Blackout. What it is and how to avoid it.
Our 2024 Learn to Sail Program
We are currently looking at new opportunities for our Learn to Sail program. We hope to share our new location and future plans in the next summer season.
TRY SCUBA 2024
Again in 2024 we will be partnering with The Waterfront Diving Center to give VT’s youth a chance to breathe underwater and feel the weightlessness that is scuba diving. As always we hope to spark the interest in a future diver! If you are interested, see what Waterfront Diving has to offer.
What We Are Proud Of
Created an annual summer sailing program in partnership with the International Sailing Center in Colchester, VT where dozens of kids have participated from Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, VT.
Have educational displays at Vermont Welcome Centers and local fitness clubs addressing the danger of Shallow Water/Hypoxic Blackout
Hundreds of presentations to youth programs on the dangers of Shallow Water/Hypoxic Blackout
Creation of a ‘Try Scuba’ for local youths to be safely introduced with two amazing ways to expand their horizons.
Coordinated efforts with prominent National Organizations with shared goals:
National Drowning Prevention Alliance
Michael Phelps Foundation
Families United to Prevention of Drowning
State of Vermont annual recognition of August as the Shallow Water Blackout Awareness month.
Partnerships with local sailing and scuba diving organizations as well as corporate and personal sponsors to support the mission.