Funds Raised by Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity Helped Create ‘Rolling Billboard’ To Encourage The Use of Designated Drivers

Ewing, NJ (April 23, 2024) – The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers® has partnered with The College of New Jersey to unveil the 25th HERO patrol vehicle to promote the use of safe and sober designated drivers at the college. The vehicle wrap was dedicated in honor of Michael T. Sot, a TCNJ student who was tragically killed while serving as a designated driver in December 2018. In attendance at the unveiling was Michael’s mother, Candice, and brother, Matt, a senior on Acadia University’s baseball team which played against TCNJ immediately following the event.

“Our hearts go out to the Sot family over the tragic loss of their son. This HERO patrol car in memory of Michael will be a constant reminder to students and the community to avoid drinking and driving by having a designated driver.” said Bill Elliott, Chairman of the John R. Elliott HERO Foundation. “We are also grateful to Michael’s fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, for their fundraising efforts to sponsor the new campus police HERO cruiser.”

The HERO Campaign was established in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The 22-year-old naval officer was killed by a drunk driver in July 2000, two months after graduating from the United States Naval Academy, where he was named the “Outstanding HERO” of his graduating class. He was driving home from Annapolis, MD for his mother’s birthday celebration at the time of his death. His family established the HERO Campaign to prevent drunk driving by promoting the use of safe and responsible designated drivers.

Michael Sot was a 20-year-old sophomore at The College of New Jersey, when he pledged to remain sober one Saturday night in early December of 2018 and safely transport his Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers to a party. He made about two dozen trips as a designated driver that night before his vehicle was struck at 2 a.m. by a drunk driver. Michael died following the crash. His five passengers were injured but survived.

The TCNJ HERO patrol vehicle is a Ford Explorer that has been wrapped with the HERO Campaign’s bright blue and yellow logo and life-saving slogan, “Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver.” The HERO-wrapped patrol vehicle is now a ‘rolling billboard’ for the HERO Campaign as officers drive it on traffic duty, to special events, and to area schools. The wrap includes a dedication message to Michael Sot, a young life taken too soon.

Timothy Grant, the head of TCNJ’s Police Department, shared his sense of pride regarding the partnership with the HERO Campaign, stating, “We are grateful for the opportunity to join forces with the HERO Campaign and communities throughout the state in conveying the importance of choosing a designated driver. The tragic passings of John Elliott and Michael Sot remind us that the simple decision to use a sober driver plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.”

This past fall, Phi Kappa Psi coordinated an on-campus and digital fundraiser to honor the memory of Michael T. Sot in support of the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers. Their campaign raised significant awareness and funds while also underscoring their genuine commitment to ending drunk driving tragedies, earning the gratitude and admiration of the HERO Campaign for their impactful efforts in promoting safe and responsible designated driving.

“We appreciate the heartfelt efforts of the PKP chapter in their fundraising endeavors,” stated Elliott. “Their dedication honors Michael’s legacy and elevates the importance of our mission—to ensure tragedies like this are prevented through the use of safe and sober designated drivers.”

The fraternity’s campaign at TCNJ included various on-campus and digital activities aimed at underscoring the fraternity’s dedication to responsible driving. The brothers demonstrated an impressive level of coordination, hosting tabling events, a restaurant fundraiser, and a guest speaking session. These gatherings enabled students and faculty to participate actively in the outreach endeavor.

The fraternity partnered with the HERO Campaign on a social media marketing strategy which included a website, promotional materials, and a partnership with a local restaurant.

Leadership roles were taken up by PKP president Nick Cavallero and philanthropy chair Nick Dinoia, who both excelled in their commitment, professionalism, and detail-oriented approach. The fraternities’ collaboration with the HERO Campaign proved to be exemplary, showcasing a shared vision and drive to eliminate incidences of drunk driving.

About the HERO Campaign
The HERO Campaign is now saving lives throughout New Jersey and several neighboring states, including Pennsylvania and Delaware, through its partnerships with law enforcement; schools and colleges; federal and state highway safety organizations; the licensed beverage industry; and professional sports teams. 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 20-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.