The HERO Campaign promotes the idea that designated drivers can still have fun and join in the festivities with non-alcoholic drinks that look and taste like the real thing.
“This isn’t your parents’ Shirley Temple,” noted Bill Elliott, co-chairman of the HERO Campaign along with his wife Muriel. “These drinks are delicious, sophisticated and often healthier than their alcohol-filled counterparts. Now designated drivers can have fun enjoying zero-proof mocktails and still get home safely.”
Elliott and his wife established the HERO Campaign in memory of their son John, a Navy ensign who was killed by a drunken driver in July 2000, only two months after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. “We believe designated drivers are the cure for drunk driving,” noted Muriel,” who originated the idea for the HEROtini contest.
Here are the results of our HEROtini Challenge competition, which garnered 370,000 online votes over the summer. More than 200 supporters attended the final judging at the HEROtini Happening event, held Thursday evening, September 14 at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club.
Celebrity judges selected the final winner, the “No-Jito” by bartender Lauren Genova from Tomatoe’s Restaurant in Margate. Kathy Ryan of the Windjammer Café-Bar-Grille in Somers Point won Best Herotini Bartender, and Dennis Smith from Bar One at Resorts Casino Hotel won for best drink name with “Berry Sobertini.”
Best HEROtini Mocktail: The No-Jito, Tomatoe’s Restaurant in Margate, Lauren Genova, bartender. Sponsored by Tender Care Pediatrics and Carl Tripician Law Firm
Lauren Genova from Tomatoe’s, winner of the HEROtini Trophy for the Best Mocktail & Kathy Ryan, Best Bartender, The Windjammer Café-Bar-Grille, Somers Point- Photo Credit: Nick Valinote
Best HEROtini Bartender: Kathy Ryan, The Windjammer Café-Bar-Grille
Kathy Ryan with her Mocktail entry, “John’s Chocolate Chip Delight” - Photo Credit: Nick Valinote
Best Establishment: Tomatoe’s Restaurant – Sponsored by Carl Tripician Law Firm and Tender Care Pediatrics
Lauren Genova of Tomatoe’s shares her victory trophy with sponsors Dr. Ho Chang of Tender Care Pediatrics, and Northfield Attorney Carl Tripician - Photo Credit: Nick Valinote
Best HEROtini Drink Name: “Berry Sobertini” – Bar One at Resorts Casino Hotel – Dennis, Bartender
Bartender Dennis Smith from Bar One at Resorts Casino Hotel was the winner of the Best HEROtini drink name for his “Berry Sobertini.” He shares his victory with Pam Tyson of the HERO Campaign staff.- Photo Credit: Nick Valinote
People’s Choice Award: Most Combined Votes in all Categories. Sofia Restaurant Margate – Sponsored by D’Amato Law Firm
Angela Diamantis from Sofia Restaurant, winner of the People’s Choice Award with sponsors - Photo Credit: Nick Valinote
Talk of the Town Award: Most Distinctive and Memorable Mocktail Name - Ducktown Tavern for the “Coagulated Mary”
John Exadaktilos and his team from Ducktown Tavern share their Talk of the Town award with sponsors Robert Kernan and Peter Bennett of RFK wealth Partners. - Photo Credit: Nick Valinote
