FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fittingly debuting on World Kindess Day, Parkview Field is the latest location to be a site for one of Sammie Vance’s Buddy Benches, continuing a long relationship between the TinCaps and the Vance Family.
At the age of 8 years old, Sammie Vance was inspired to start the Buddy Bench Project when she first heard about the “buddy bench” concept. Buddy benches are intended to be for those that are shy or lonely to sit as a sign to those around they are wanting to make a new friend.
Sammie, now 17 years old, has continued her mission to bring buddy benches to schools and community areas for the last nine years. To date, Sammie’s work has led to the installation of over 750 buddy benches around the world.
The Fort Wayne TinCaps were there at the beginning of her journey. As season ticket holders, the Vance Family became close with TinCaps Team President, Mike Nutter. When asked to help by gathering plastic items at the ballpark, the team jumped at the chance.
“The Vance Family have become close friends of the TinCaps over the years,” stated Nutter. “Sammie asked if we could help gather plastic bottle caps and other recyclable materials. We were happy to help collect and donate these materials for the construction of the benches themselves. The Vance Family made a simple request that ended up with hundreds of pounds of plastic material being made into buddy benches. It was a pleasure to be a part of it all.”
“I am so grateful to the TinCaps for their support since day one, said Sammie Vance. “They have become more than just an organization and partnership to Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project; they are great friends. I am so thrilled to be getting a buddy bench at Parkview Field that will be used for years to come.”
The Buddy Bench will be located on the South Plaza of Parkview Field, just outside of the TinCaps Team Store year-round.
About the Sammie Vance and the Sammie Vance Buddy Bench Project
Sammie Vance is 17 years old on a mission to spread kindness and to make the world a less lonely place starting with making sure all kids have a friend. She has gained worldwide attention through her Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project where she collected plastic caps and lids and had them recycled into buddy benches for her school and all around the country. It has impacted and inspired many from kids to adults.
Sammie was 8 when she started Sammie's Buddy Bench Project after hearing about a buddy bench at summer camp. She herself had felt lonely and shy and had seen others with same problem so when she heard about the buddy bench she wanted them for her school to help others find friends so no one would feel lonely. She went from very shy to now speaking to big crowds of people about how they can make a difference no matter their age. She has written speeches, sent videos to groups wanting buddy benches and sent many thoughtful letters all around the world. Her appearance on the Today Show in 2018 brought even more awareness and many more people wanted to be involved in their own buddy bench journey or to help Sammie out.
Sammie wanted to help kids not be lonely and make friends. The buddy bench also helps kids that are new to the school and prevent bullying. That it is made out of recycled plastic caps is beneficial to the environment and is also very little upkeep. So, helping prevent loneliness and helping the planet all in one. Being kind to one another and having the community come together to help out was a great result.
To date she has helped spread over 750 buddy benches around the world. The furthest one is in Ghana. These buddy benches are in schools, parks, ball fields, shopping centers and even retirement homes.
Sammie received a Certificate of Excellence from her cities Mayor, been a guest on the Today Show with Kathie Lee, Nightly News with Lester Holt, covered by LEGO, Martha Stewart Living, USA Today, Disney, and Nickelodeon to name a few. Sammie was one of the 20 Finalists for Time Kid of the Year 2021. She has over 40 million views on numerous videos done on her. She has partnered with Walgreens and UPS who wanted to help her continue to spread kindness. She is currently partnering with POLYWOOD to create a Buddy Bench that is made out of recycled plastic and easy for groups to obtain. She appeared as #whatimliking on the Kelly Clarkson Show. She recently delivered a Ted Ed talk in NYC.
She has won multiple International Awards including and an award named for her. A few to note: The Power of Children Award, Diana Award, Gloria Barron Prize for Inspiring Young Heroes and Prudential Spirit of Community Award. She has been in magazine publications such as People, Bravery, Highlights, Time for Kids (Kid of the month), Scholastic and even in magazines in the UK and as far as Australia and Germany.
Her debut book INSPIRE THE WORLD - A KID’S JOURNEY TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE was released August 2021. It’s been featured on Reading Rainbow LIVE, Nightly News with Lester Holt, Disney and Nickelodeon. It was just re-released September 2026 as a New Edition by Panhandle Creek Press.
Sammie did a podcast called Sammie Smiles where she interviewed people from all walks of life. It is geared towards leaving her listeners and guests inspired and with a smile. She also has created a series of large cap art murals using recycled bottle caps. Showing there are many ways to recycle and make the world more beautiful.
“You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference, you can be a kid too” Sammie Vance
You can find out more at www.sammiesbuddybenchproject.com