HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — William Benrud of Hillsborough County wears all sorts of awards on his Cub Scout uniform.
But the award the 7-year-old is proudest of is the American flag he pinned to his hat. He recently received the pin as one of 25 Cub Scouts recognized for selling popcorn in all 50 states.
What You Need To Know
- Cub Scout William Benrud sold popcorn in all 50 states
- The 7-year-old is one of only 25 recognized for the accomplishment
- Benrud reached out via his mother's Facebook page
- Funds from the popcorn sale go to the Scouts
“It is really cool,” Benrud said.
“I did not think I was going to be able to do it,” Benrud said. “And when I figured out I could do it, I was so proud of myself.”
He accomplished his goal with the help of social media. With the camera on, he used his charming personality to make a powerful plea to his mom’s Facebook friends. His message was shared around the country 153 times. The sales surprised even his mom and dad.
“We thought it was going to be impossible,” William’s mother, Victoria Benrud, said. “We did not think we were going to get any sales this year.”
But with his signature online moves, William sold popcorn to every state.
“The popcorn sales, they were really great,” the young Benrud said. “They were really fun.”
“The level of dedication that he had, just by getting up and looking to see just how many states he got next, was really exciting,” Victoria Benrud said.
William, who has only been in Cub Scouts for two years, credits the Cub Scout motto.
“Do your best,” he said.
Benrud said he wants others to do their best, too, whether they’re selling popcorn or not.
The money Benrud raised will go toward Cub Scouts. He said he’ll also use some of the funds for a camping trip.