Starfish Award Winner: Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, rehabilitates more than 100 sea turtles every year, and tourists enjoy coming to the center to see the rescue efforts and animals in action. In late June, the rescue center was honored as the country’s No. 1 free attraction by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

“People can experience these magnificent animals being cared for with the hopes of releasing them back into their ocean home healthy,” says Kate Fratalia, vice president of retail at Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

And while they’re there, learning about the at-risk Cheloniidae who are sick, injured or otherwise struggling to survive in their natural habitat without having to pay admission, visitors can purchase gifts and souvenirs that support the center at the gift shop, which filters all its proceeds back into vital programming.

All in

The 2,500-square-foot store is integral to funding the rescue center’s main initiatives. “Customers truly feel that they are making a difference here,” Fratalia says.

“People can experience these magnificent animals being cared for with the hopes of releasing them back into their ocean home, healthy.”

The shop follows a key mission: Choice matters. All of the shop’s products are made in the USA, fabricated with a reduced-waste mindset and sourced responsibly.

Choice matters

Every item in the shops aligns with the center’s cause in some way. For example turtle Silipint silicone pint cups are BPA-free, reusable single-use plastic alternatives for hot or cold drinks. An Everglades Decomposition notebook is made from 100% post-consumer-waste recycled paper and printed with soy ink.

Inis health and beauty products in stock are never tested on animals. A sea turtle Soap Lift made from corn-based bioplastic is REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) compliant and wrapped in recycled craft paper. Plus, it helps soap last longer rather than sticking to the countertop.

Every guest is ultimately a partner to Loggerhead Marlinelife Center because their support helps advance the center’s mission. Some 350 volunteers also contribute to the operational success.

Fratalia says, “We are proud of what we do and that we can share our mission with the help of our partners, visitors and volunteers.”

Starfish Awards recognize companies in our industry that are making a difference through charitable donations and efforts. Know of a company that is deserving of an award? Submit a nomination at www.seasideretailer.com/starfish-award.