The Jersey Shore HEROES Campaign will ask bar and tavern owners, package goods stores, law enforcement, colleges and state and local governments along the New Jersey Shore to participate in a program to promote the use of safe and sober designated drivers during the summer. Patrons are asked to support and participate in the program to help raise awareness about the importance of a Designated Driver.

Jersey Shore HEROES is a program of The HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers®, established in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, who was killed by a drunken driver in July, 2000, two months after graduating from the United States Naval Academy.

Jersey Shore HEROES will counter the incorrect and distorted view of New Jersey presented by the “Jersey Shore” MTV television series. The campaign will promote the Jersey Shore as a safe, responsible, family-friendly vacation destination.

A news conference will be held at one or more key location(s) on the Jersey Shore at the beginning of the summer to announce the program, expected to include 500 bars, taverns and restaurants at the Jersey Shore.

HERO Campaign partners will be asked to participate and support Jersey Shore HEROES in the following ways.

1. Bar and Tavern Owners

• Sign the HERO Campaign pledge
• Display HERO Campaign posters and promotional materials
• Serve free soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers
• Work with HERO Campaign partners to promote the campaign in their communities and register designated driver heroes

2. Licensed Beverage Assoc. and Alcoholic Beverage Distributors

• Distribute posters and brochures to bar owners
• Encourage bar, tavern and liquor store participation.

3. Package Good Stores

• Display Jersey Shore promotional materials
• Sell Jersey Shore HERO bracelets as fund raiser

4. Wawa

• Distribute HERO bracelets with purchase of coffee
• Promote Jersey Shore HEROES Campaign

5. Law enforcement

• Promote Jersey Shore HEROES at DUI Stops
• Pass out Jersey HEROES materials at highway safety forums

6. Division of Highway Safety, NHTSA and Division of ABC

• Help with public relations
• Recruit bar and tavern owners

7. State and County Government

• Pass resolutions endorsing Jersey Shore HEROES

8. Municipal Police

• Promote campaign to bar and tavern owners.  Nominate outstanding HERO bars and taverns for positive recognition at end of summer.

9. State Government