Like the ponies but not the pints? You can be a Keeneland HERO

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Keeneland wants their fans to be heroes — designated driving heroes that is.

Keeneland and the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers will ask their fans to join the 100,000 Heroes Campaign by taking the pledge to be designated drivers at the track’s HERO Tent during the upcoming spring race meet April 8-29.

Keeneland launched their association with the HERO Campaign at its fall meet and the Breeder’s Cup Championship last October. The nonprofit organization has worked with Kentucky law enforcement, the Kentucky State Highway Safety Office and the alcohol industry since 2012, when Governor Steve Beshear officially declared Kentucky a HERO State.

“Keeneland is proud to partner with the HERO Campaign to promote the use of designated drivers,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “We want our fans to enjoy their day at the races and for everyone to arrive home safe afterward.”

Thomason encouraged fans to visit the HERO tent and be part of the 100,000 HEROES Pledge campaign. Those who sign up to provide safe rides for their friends and family will receive a wristband entitling them to a free soft drink at concession stands and a chance to win HERO items or box seats for a future race day.

“We are excited to be partnering with Keeneland and all its fans,” stated Bill Elliott, HERO Campaign Founder and Chairman. “The key to preventing drunk driving is having a safe ride home, and the HERO designated drivers are truly the life of the party.”

Bill Bell, Executive Director of the Kentucky State Office of Highway Safety, says the HERO Campaign’s practical and positive message just makes sense. “People are responding to the HERO Campaign’s message, which isn’t against drinking, but is about being responsible when good times include alcoholic beverages,” Bell said.

The non-profit HERO Campaign is named in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott, who was killed by a drunk driver in July 2000, two months after graduating near the top of his class at the United States Naval Academy, where he was named the Outstanding HERO Officer of his class.

Now in its 16^th year, the HERO campaign is the fastest-growing designated driver campaign in the country, growing from a grassroots initiative established by John’s family into a major movement in seven states.

In addition to Keeneland, the campaign partners with other professional sports teams and organizations including Churchill Downs, NASCAR, the NFL and Major League Baseball teams.

To learn more about the HERO Campaign, or to register to be a designated driver, go to www.kentuckyheroes.org