Egg Harbor Twp., NJ – July 20, 2015 – The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers® marked its 15th Anniversary with a Gala Brunch, presented by the HERO Society on Sunday, July 19th, at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway Township.

Retired United States Navy Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby delivered the keynote speech to a sold out audience of nearly 300 attendees and featuring the accomplishments of the HERO Campaign over the last 15 years. Admiral Buzby was instrumental in having the U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Command join the state of Virginia in adopting the HERO Campaign in 2008.

What began as a tribute to John Elliott and his legacy of service to others has grown into a major movement to prevent drunk driving by promoting the use of safe and sober designated drivers over the past 15 years. The campaign has extended its designated driver program to seven states and multiple cities throughout the country.

“We are overwhelmed by the support that our sponsors, partners and the community have shown to us,” said Bill Elliott, founder and chairman of the HERO Campaign. “We will continue to focus our efforts on promoting and building the HERO Campaign on a national level.”

Guests were introduced to the HERO Campaign’s newly-branded signature drink, aptly-named “The Herotini” zero-proof Peach Bellini, made with peach puree, sparkling apple cider and blueberry garnish.

The HERO Campaign raised $250,000 in member contributions through its new HERO Society, achieving its 15th Anniversary campaign goal.
The event closed with a moving video memorial to victims of drunk driving fatalities and who serve as the inspiration for the HERO Campaign as a positive and practical approach to preventing drinking and driving.

To view the full photo gallery from the event, click here.

To view the videos we shared at the event, click here. 

Bill and Muriel Elliott, founders of the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign, are joined by keynote speaker, US Navy Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby (retired) at the 15th Anniversary Brunch held at Stockton’s Seaview Resort in Galloway Township. (Photo by Beau Ridge Photography.)

HERO Campaign founder and chairman, Bill Elliott (left), is joined at the 15th Anniversary HERO Brunch by Mandy Halter, US Naval Academy Class of 2000 (center) and Jason Halter. Mandy was a former classmate of Ensign John R. Elliott and led attendees in the pledge of allegiance. (Photo by John DiMaio Photography.)

Monmouth University’s 2015 HERO of the Year, Rene Orefice (right) of Lyndhurst, enjoys a “Herotini” Peach Bellini, along with her classmate, Rocio Serey. (Photo submitted by HERO Campaign.)