Ocean City, NJ – More than 2,000 hats are expected to be tossed into the air by participants in the 4th Annual HERO Walk, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 11AM, on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

The “Hats Off to HEROES” promotion will officially launch the 100,000 HEROES Challenge in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, with the goal of having 100,000 people take the HERO pledge to be, or to use, designated drivers whenever alcoholic beverages are consumed.

“In the grand tradition of commencement ceremonies that mark a new chapter in someone’s life, we are tossing our hats to kick off the latest chapter in the HERO Campaign’s history,” said HERO Campaign founder and Chairman Bill Elliott. “This hat toss is a symbolic gesture marking the beginning of our biggest HERO Walk event to date and also the beginning of our 15th year.”

The Ocean City HERO Walk – which is expected to raise $100,000 in donations – marks the 15th anniversary year for the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers, a non-profit organization that promotes the use of safe and sober designated drivers to prevent drunk driving tragedies. The HERO Campaign was established by the family of Navy Ensign John Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Ensign Elliott was killed in a July 2000 collision with a drunken driver two months after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. Elliott was traveling from Annapolis, Md., to his home at the Jersey Shore for his mother’s birthday celebration.

Organizers are asking walkers to bring a cap to join in the HERO Toss photo, which will be posted on the HERO Campaign’s website and social media sites to promote similar HERO Pledge hat tosses throughout the region and the country.

The HERO Campaign has grown from a local cause into a national movement that has been adopted by seven states from Boston, Mass., to Louisville, Ky.
The organization uses highway billboards, TV and radio commercials and educational programs to promote its message, “Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver,” in partnership with schools and colleges, law enforcement, highway safety agencies, Major League Baseball and NFL teams, NASCAR and bars and taverns.

Over the past decade, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other states have seen a marked decline in DUI fatalities, due in part to the efforts of the HERO Campaign.

“We are proud of the positive results and the overwhelming support for the HERO Campaign over the past 14 years,” said Elliott. “John would have accomplished great things had he lived; now thousands of lives can be saved in his memory. This truly is his living legacy.”

Registration for the HERO Walk begins at 9AM at the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center, 6th Street and the Boardwalk and the Walk begins at 11AM. There will be many fun activities at the event including face-painting, a selfie booth picture booth, and HERO temp tattoos. Walkers can also pre-register online at www.theherowalk.org. For more information call (609) 626-3880.