By Steffen Klenk
Hundreds gathered this past Sunday on the Ocean City Boardwalk for the annual John R. Elliott HERO Walk and Fun Run. The annual event raises much-needed support and awareness for designated, sober driving. The appearance of thirteen police cars highlighted the event, including a brand new car unveiled by the Ocean City Police Department. Each car displays the brightly-colored HERO Campaign logo along with a message reminding everyone to “Be a Hero. Be a designated driver.”
This year’s program recognized the lives of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau and showed support for their family. Johnny was a star left-winger for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Matthew played briefly in the American Hockey League and ECHL before going on to coach high school hockey. Both lost their lives tragically to a drunk driver in August.
“We want to promise you that life will go on and their legacy will go on,” said Bill Elliott, who founded the HERO Campaign. “It’s up to all of us to make sure they are not forgotten.”
Sisters Katie Gaudreau and Kristen Venello thanked the crowd for coming out in support of Team Gaudreau.
The HERO Campaign hosts various events throughout the year, including driving simulations in high schools throughout South Jersey and the HEROtini Mocktail Challenge. You can learn more about the initiative by visiting www.herocampaign.org.
