Hero Accomplishments

• NJ Restaurant Association Board of Directors votes unanimously to adopt and support

• John's Law adopted in New Jersey. Police now impound cars of those charged with DUI for up to 12 hours. Issue responsibility warnings to those who take custody of intoxicated drivers.

• Hero Campaign adopted by New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety and Licensed Beverage Association of New Jersey.

• Radio and television public service commercials broadcast statewide.

• 150,000 Hero ribbons and decals distributed.

• 5,000 Hero posters displayed in bars and taverns in
New Jersey, Philadelphia and Maryland.

• 25 highway signs and billboards in Atlantic,
Cape May and Ocean counties

• Toll booth signs on New Jersey Turnpike and
Atlantic City Expressway

• Major displays in Atlantic City Convention Center & Boardwalk Hall.

• Hero Campaign wins award in Ocean City
Night in Venice Boat Parade.

• Hero Campaign chapters started at U.S. Naval Academy, University of Maryland, Richard Stockton College and College of New Jersey.
Your Comments



The HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers was launched by the Elliott family in August of 2000 in memory of John’s tragic death at the hands of a drunken driver.

Hero CampaignObjective of the HERO Campaign:
The purpose of the Campaign is to encourage people to participate in designated driving programs throughout our state and nation. In cooperation with schools, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and other community-based organizations, we ask you to help keep drunk drivers off our highways.

HERO Campaign Goals and Programs:

  • Pledge Increased use of Designated Drivers whenever friends gather in private parties or at bars and taverns and drink alcoholic beverages.

  • Blue and gold ribbons, in honor of John and the Naval Academy, will be the symbol of the HERO Campaign. They will be available through participating businesses, schools, government agencies, bars and taverns.


  • Adopt-a-Tavern Program Volunteers recruit bar and tavern owners to become active participants in the HERO Campaign and provide them with campaign posters and promotional materials.
    View restaurant/tavern recruiting program.  Video Included

  • Participating Restaurant and Tavern Owners will display the HERO Campaign posters, distribute campaign ribbons, and provide free non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers wearing the blue and gold ribbons.

    View Hero promotional materials supplied to participanting restaurant and taverns

  • Public service announcements and media advertising will promote and raise awareness for the HERO Campaign.
    View general promotional activities and materials Video Included

How Can You Help?



The John R. Elliott Foundation
P.O. Box 700, Somers Point, NJ 08244
609.272.0100 •Toll-free 1-866-700-4376
E-Mail: info@herocampaign.org