HERO Campaign Teams up with the New England Patriots.

Foxborough, MA, Fall 2009. The Ensign John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers®, the New England Patriots, the New England Revolution, Gillette Stadium, and TEAM Coalition came together to educate New England Patriots fans about the importance of using a designated driver, buckling up and demonstrating positive fan behavior. The message is simple: “Be a HERO, Be a Designated Driver.®” The response from Patriots fans was massive – over 13,000 fans pledged to be sober designated drivers.

“Patriots games should always be a fun and safe environment for our fans, whether inside the stadium or driving home afterward,” said Jim Nolan, New England Patriots Vice President of Operations. “We are thrilled by how many of our fans embraced this program throughout the season because safety is a priority.”

“The HERO Campaign is proud to be associated with the New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium and our partners in promoting the use of designated drivers in memory of our son John,” said Bill Elliott, Chairman of the HERO Campaign. “A designated driver is truly a hero by keeping others safe on the way home after the game. Our goal is to register a million designated drivers nationwide and make the use of designated drivers as automatic as wearing a seatbelt.”

Sober Designated Drivers rewarded
during the Patriot’s games.

Patriots fans who pledged and demonstrated responsible behavior at any Patriots game throughout the season received a complimentary soft drink, a commemorative key chain, pro shop discounts and a chance to be selected as the Designated Driver for the Game. Each week, the Designated Driver for the Game from the previous home game was recognized with a pregame ceremony on the field.

Michael Douglas of Bellingham, MA was recognized as the Patriots Designated Driver for the Season at the December 27th game. He was made an honorary team captain and joined the Patriots’ captains at the 50-yard line for the pregame coin toss. He also received a commemorative game ball.
“Fans who pledge to be designated drivers are critical to the success of the Responsibility Has Its Rewards campaign,” said Jill Pepper, executive director of TEAM Coalition. “Teamwork is exactly what this campaign is all about, and through this program we are demonstrating that when everyone – including the fans – takes responsibility, everyone wins.”

TEAM Coalition is an alliance of professional and collegiate sports, entertainment facilities, concessionaires, stadium service providers, the beer industry, broadcasters, governmental traffic safety experts, and others working together to promote responsible drinking and positive fan behavior at sports and entertainment facilities.

The HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers® is dedicated to preventing drunken driving tragedies by promoting the use of safe and sober designated drivers. Established in October, 2000 in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott of New Jersey, the campaign has grown to become a national movement to save lives on our highways.

For more information log onto www.herocampaign.org or become a fan on Facebook at HERO Campaign.

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