Navy Ensign John Elliott
Honored by Applebee’s® With “Hometown Hero” Wall Dedication

SOMERS POINT, NJ: On Tuesday, October 21, 2008, the Somers Point Applebee’s along with Bill Elliott, founder of the Ensign John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers®, dedicated a “Hometown Heroes” wall to Ensign John R. Elliott. Bill and Muriel Elliott, John’s parents, and his sister Jennifer were joined by, state and local elected officials, members of the John R. Elliott Board of Trustees, and friends. Over 300 people showed their support throughout the day.

Jennifer Rouse, Marketing Specialist for American Apple Group, along with Somers Point Applebee’s Manager Jason Michelini felt it was important to honor Ensign Elliott with a Wall Dedication. His death by a drunken driver inspired the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers® to prevent drunk driving by promoting the use of sober designated drivers.
In addition to a generous donation from the Applebee’s® restaurant, the HERO Campaign received 10% of all lunch and dinner proceeds throughout the day as a part of Applebee’s “Dining to Donate” program and most patrons stopped by the HERO Campaign information table and bought wristbands, keychains, t-shirts or just made a donation.

According to Bill Elliott, founder of the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers®, “it was a bittersweet day that honored the memory of our son John.”

The wall display includes a framed Navy uniform, Naval Academy memorabilia and pictorial tribute to Ensign John Elliott.

For more information on the HERO Campaign or to see photos of the event log on to: www.herocampaign.org

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