SURF CITY– North Carolina Coast Host presented a check for $300 to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in honor of Stephanie Key.

“Stephanie, who passed away Feb. 7, served as our social media marketing chair,” said Salem Clarke, president of NC Coast Host and the Tourism Director of Onslow County. “Stephanie was passionate about the sea turtle hospital, conservation, and environmental awareness.”

“I think of Stephanie often,” said Kathy Zagzebski, director of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. “She valued our conservation mission.”

In addition to the donation by NC Coast Host members, an annual award has been established. The Stephanie Key Environmental Sustainability Award will honor tourism’s environmentally friendly programs and initiatives. The award will be presented in January with the NC Coast Host Tourism Impact Awards.

“We will never forget Stephanie’s impact as a tourism assistant and a supporter of NC Coast Host,” added Clarke.

NC Coast Host is a membership organization that represents counties, towns, attractions, and lodging east of Interstate 95. The organization provides members with visibility through marketing on the website, https://www.coasthost-nc.com, co-op advertising, networking, and sharing of best practices. 

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce is a long-standing member of NC Coast Host.

For more information about NC Coast Host, contact NC Coast Host President Salem Clarke at 910-347-3141 Ext.222

Pictured, left to right, are NC Coast Host President Salem Clarke, Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Director Kathy Zagzebski, NC Coast Host Past President and Director of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Tammy Proctor, and NC Coast Host Treasurer and Bladen County Tourism Director Sheila Barefoot.