HERO Walk targets drunk driving
A campaign to prevent drunken driving will hold its inaugural Hero 5K Walk Oct. 20, at Gillette Stadium.
The event, scheduled for 11 a.m., is hosted by the New England Patriots and Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey, and is expected to attract hundreds of walkers from throughout the Boston area in support of the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers.
Registration will start at 9 a.m. at the stadium’s NRG Plaza. To register, visit theherowalk.org, or call 1-866-700-HERO.
The non-profit HERO Campaign was established in 2000 in memory of Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, who was killed by a drunken driver two months after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was named the Outstanding HERO officer of his class.
Elliott was driving home to New Jersey from Annapolis, Md., for his mother’s birthday celebration at the time of his death in July 2000. He was preparing to enter Naval Flight School in September.
Over the past four years, the Patriots have set an NFL record by registering more than 80,000 designated drivers at HERO booths throughout Gillette Stadium.
For several years, Morrissey and his office have promoted the HERO Campaign throughout Norfolk County in partnership with area schools and colleges, law enforcement, veterans groups, bar and tavern owners and area businesses.
Last year, 40 lives were lost in Norfolk County at the hand of drunken drivers.
Presenting sponsor Tedeschi Food Shops will be joined by businesses from Patriot Place, who will sponsor and enter teams for the HERO 5K Walk, to begin at Gillette Stadium’s NRG Plaza and proceed around the stadium, past the practice field, around Patriot Place Plaza, and finish in front of CBS Scene for awards and musical entertainment.
