Wawa Food Markets Support the HERO Campaign
through it’s Coin Drop Program

Columbus, NJ (June 2011) – All 234 Wawa stores throughout New Jersey will show their support of the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers® by dedicating their summer coin drop program to the drunk driving prevention organization. Customers will be invited to donate their spare change to the Campaign through the coin drop containers located on store counters starting May 30, and going through August 28, 2011.

Wawa was the first food store chain to adopt the HERO Campaign, established in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott of Egg Harbor Township who was killed by a drunken driver in July, 2000. The non-profit organization has grown from a local cause into a regional movement, supported by counties, cities, highway safety organizations, bar and tavern organizations, colleges, and Major League Baseball and NFL teams.

The HERO Campaign will use proceeds from the coin drop program to promote the use of sober designated drivers to: college students, through a designated HERO driver program featuring highway billboards; work with law enforcement officials; and help local communities to promote responsible sober drivers by working with establishments that sell alcoholic beverages and providing PSA’s.

Richard Stockton College and Monmouth University have actively promoted the Designated Driver HEROprogram; and 7 more schools will be joining the program this year. Many other organizations have adopted the Campaign including the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Giants and Jets, NJ State Police, NJ Turnpike and Parkway Authority, Atlantic City Expressway and several Atlantic City casino hotels.

“We are proud to support the HERO Campaign and its efforts to save lives and keep our highways safer,” commented Tom DiStefano, chairman of the NJ Charity Committee for Wawa. “Our store managers and staff are excited about helping such a worthy cause and raising awareness for drunken driving prevention. The safety of our customers, associates and the community is a high priority for Wawa.”

Bill Elliott, John Elliott’s father and founder of the HERO Campaign stated: “We appreciate Wawa’s support for our efforts to prevent future drunk driving tragedies in John’s memory. He added: “The HERO Campaign is a positive legacy for our son. At the U.S. Naval Academy John was named the outstanding HERO (Human Education Resource Officer) for his service to his fellow midshipmen. Now the heroes will be the designated drivers who keep our highways safer in John’s memory.”

For more information, the website address for the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers is www.herocampaign.org, or call 1-866-700-HERO (4376).