CLARK, N.J. (May 1, 2021) – You could always depend on Michael Sot to do the right thing. That’s exactly what he was doing on December 2, 2018 when he chose to serve as a designated driver for his friends and, in the cruelest of ironies, was killed by a drunk driver as he transported them back to their college campus after a party.

The Sot family honors Michael’s memory, and his commitment to designated driving, by working with the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign to ensure other families don’t experience their pain and loss.

The Remembering Michael Sot HERO Walk will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, NJ. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and a Remembering Michael ceremony will take place at 10:45 a.m., just before the start of the Walk. All proceeds from the event support the HERO Campaign’s mission to promote the use of safe and sober designated drivers.

The HERO Campaign was established by the family of Navy Ensign John R. Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, who was killed in a July 2000 collision with a drunk driver two months after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. Since its inception in 2000, the HERO Campaign has grown into a major movement to prevent impaired driving that has received national recognition and awards. It has also helped to reduce alcohol-related fatalities and incidents, including a 35-percent reduction in DUI fatalities in New Jersey and other states over the past decade.

Michael was a 20-year-old sophomore at The College of New Jersey, when he pledged to remain sober that Saturday night and safely transport his fraternity brothers between the party and their on- and off-campus housing. He had made about two dozen trips as a designated driver that night before his vehicle was struck at 2 a.m. Michael and his five passengers were injured in the crash. They survived, but he succumbed to his injuries two days later.

A native of Clark, NJ, Michael was a stand-out baseball player and member of the National Honor Society in high school. He was regarded as someone who classmates, family, and friends could always depend on to do the right thing. Even after his passing, Michael’s legacy of service to others as a designated driver continues to inspire others.

In Michael’s memory, the public is encouraged to visit https://p2p.onecause.com/michael-sot-2021 to register to participate as an Individual, Start/Join a Team, or support by making a donation to a Walk Participant or Team to help end drunk driving.

In addition to the walk, supporters can take the HERO Pledge to be and use designated drivers, and enjoy music, an auction, face painting and balloon sculptures for the kids.

About Michael Sot:

The Remembering Michael Sot HERO Walk – is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safe and sober designated drivers and to celebrate the life of Michael Sot. Michael was a sophomore at The College of New Jersey when his life was tragically taken by a drunk driver, while he was serving as the designated driver for his fraternity brothers from Phi Kappa Psi in December 2018. He was a math major preparing to fulfill his goal of becoming an actuary. A native of Clark, NJ, Michael was a stand-out baseball player and member of the National Honor Society in high school. He was regarded as someone who classmates, family and friends could always depend on to do the right thing. Most important, Michael was a loving son, brother and grandson.

About the HERO Campaign:

The HERO Campaign was established by the family of Navy Ensign John R. Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, who was killed in a July 2000 collision with a drunk driver two months after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. The Campaign is now saving lives in seven states in partnership with law enforcement; schools and colleges; federal and state highway safety organizations; the licensed beverage industry; professional sports teams including the Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Football Giants, the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution; Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby; and Keeneland Race Course, home of the 2015 Breeder’s Cup. Since its inception in 2000, the HERO Campaign has grown into a major movement to prevent impaired driving that has received national recognition and awards. It has also helped to reduce alcohol-related fatalities and incidents, including a 35-percent reduction in DUI fatalities in New Jersey and other states over the past decade. For more information visit HEROcampaign.org or call 609-626-3880.