HERO Walk Draws 2,000 and Raises $125,000

In just its second year, the HERO Walk on the Ocean City Boardwalk attracted about 2,000 participants and raised $125,000.

The Oct. 14 event benefited the HERO Campaign, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing drunk driving tragedies by promoting the use of designated drivers. The inaugural walk in 2011 included 800 walkers and raised a reported $100,000.

On Sunday morning, participants took over the Boardwalk for a non-competitive walk that started at Sixth Street and includes a turnaround point at 20th Street. The event included food, entertainment, trophies and prizes for top fundraising teams and individuals.

The HERO Campaign was established in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott, who lost his life to a drunken driver in July, 2000. Elliott had graduated two months earlier from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where he was named the outstanding HERO (Human Education Resource Officer) of his class.

The HERO Campaign is active in five states, including New Jersey, where Elliott lived and was president of his graduating class at Egg Harbor Township High School.