The Hero Campaign Promoted Designated Driving in Sea Isle City on July 9

SEA ISLE CITY – On July 9, family, friends and other supporters of John Elliott came to the Sea Isle City Promenade to promote the merits of designated driving – all in honor of the late United States Naval Academy graduate whose legacy has captured the attention of the nation. Following his untimely death due to drunk driving in July, 2000, Elliott’s family founded the Hero Campaign in the hopes of wiping-out motor vehicle deaths and injuries due to the actions of irresponsible drivers.
“This is a positive campaign because John was a positive person,” said his father, Bill Elliott, who was greeting passersby on Sea Isle’s Promenade. “Ours is a grass roots campaign to raise awareness, and support is growing. The younger generations need to grow-up with the concept of designated drivers. We want designated drivers to be as common as using a seat belt.”
Also on the Promenade on July 9 was Bill Kindle, owner of Kindle Ford in Cape May Court House, who brought with him a Ford Focus that was filled with bottled water. Kindle was giving away free tickets for a Philadelphia Phillies home game to anyone who could guess the number of bottles in the car’s back seat.
“It’s very important to support the Hero Campaign,” Kindle said. “At first I thought the hero was John, but then I realized that the real heroes are designated drivers, who prevent accidents such as the one that so greatly affected the Elliott family. I would like to see car manufacturers create a system in cars that would prevent drunk driving from ever occurring.”
Sea Isle’s Mayor Leonard Desiderio also stopped by the Promenade in support of the Hero Campaign, at which time he presented Bill Elliott with a Mayor’s Proclamation that declared July 9 “John R. Elliott Hero Day” in Sea Isle City.
“This campaign has a very important message and we are happy to help the Elliott family spread the word about the importance of designated drivers,” said the mayor.
According to his father, Ensign John Elliott was on his way home from Annapolis, MD, to New Jersey to celebrate his mother’s birthday when he was killed in 2000. Clearly a naval officer with a bright future, Elliott was also the president of his senior class at Egg Harbor Township High School. Had he not died, he would have soon become a flight officer on P-3 Sub Chaser aircraft.
“Many of John’s classmates at the Naval Academy are currently serving their country in the Middle East,” added Elliott. “My son John is now serving his country in other ways.”
In addition to raising awareness that will save lives, volunteers from the Hero Campaign on July 9 were also promoting an October 23 walk-a-thon scheduled to take place on Ocean City’s Boardwalk. The campaign, which sponsors golf outings and other events throughout the year, is always in search of additional support. For more information about the Hero Campaign and the events they sponsor, visit www.herocampaign.com.