NC 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, in a news release. “Stephanie was passionate about the sea turtle hospital, conservation and environmental awareness.”

Kathy Zagzebski, director of the Surf City-based Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, stated in the release, “I think of Stephanie often. 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, according to the release. 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,” Clarke said.

NC Coast Host is a membership organization that represents counties, towns, attractions and lodging east of I-95.