Community Corner
Remembering Michael T. Sot Walk Set For June 18 In Clark
Proceeds from the walk will go toward the John R. Elliot HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers in honor of former Clark resident Michael Sot.
CLARK, NJ — On Dec. 2, 2018 Clark resident Michael T. Sot chose to serve as the designated driver to drive his friends to The College of New Jersey in Ewing after attending a party. But on the ride back to campus, Sot was hit head-on by a drunk driver at 2 a.m.
Two days later, on Dec. 4, Sot died from his injuries.
Nearly four years later, Sot is still remembered in the community and is deeply missed. For the second time, Clark will hold its Remembering Michael T. Sot walk on Saturday, June 18.
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Last year's walk had over 300 participants and raised over $35,000 for the John R. Elliot HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers — a non-profit organization to prevent drunk driving deaths and injuries by promoting the use of responsible designated drivers.
The HERO Campaign was established by the family of Navy Ensign John R. Elliott of Egg Harbor Township who was killed in a head-on collision with a drunk driver in July 2000, two months after graduating from the United States Naval Academy.
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The campaign helps save lives throughout New Jersey and surrounding states. It has also done a lot to spread awareness and remember Sot.
Sot's legacy now lives on in service to others on a billboard with an image of him, in memory of his heroic act to be the designated driver. The signs are part of the John R. Elliott Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers.
Julia Sapia, a friend of Sot's, said Sot was a huge part of Clark community and the walk is a way to remember his legacy, as well as advocate for the importance of designated drivers.
"A dear friend, son, brother, teammate, and classmate, Michael was one of the most kind-hearted and selfless people," Sapia wrote. "Michael was a very special person, he always showed up and presented every situation with the most positive attitude; he was a kind soul."
The walk will begin at Arthur L. Johnson High School, where Sot graduated from.
You can register for the event with this link.
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