PHILADELPHIA (AP) – The inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run event, held in memory of John and Matt Gaudreau, successfully raised over $500,000. This significant amount will fund the construction of an accessible playground at the Archbishop Damiano School, where the brothers' mother, Jane Gaudreau, works. The event was designed to honor the Gaudreau brothers, both of whom were talented hockey players with strong ties to the local community.
Thousands attended the event, which took place in May at Washington Lake Park in southern New Jersey. This location holds special meaning as it was frequently visited by John and Matthew during their childhood. The event also drew over 1,100 participants virtually from locations across the U.S., Canada, and around the world, showcasing the widespread support for the cause.
The funds necessary for the playground project were raised through the event and contributions made in memory of John and Matt Gaudreau. The playground initiative, championed by local principal Michele McCloskey and supported by the Gaudreau family, was originally launched in October 2020. The project is particularly meaningful to the family, as the playground is dedicated to their grandmother, Marie, who dedicated 44 years of her life to the school before passing away in 2023.
Groundbreaking for the playground is scheduled for late August or early September, with a tentative date of October 4 set for the start of a community build project. Despite inclement weather the night before, which included a tornado watch, the 5K event proceeded smoothly. Participants were thrilled by the turnout and expressed a desire to see the event return in the future.
Jane Gaudreau expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community, noting that many individuals shared stories about the brothers' contributions to the community and how they inspired others. This demonstrates the lasting impact the Gaudreau siblings had on those around them.
The fundraising efforts have gathered momentum over the years, with various friends and supporters rallying for the cause inspired by the Gaudreau brothers. The new playground will feature modern equipment designed for inclusivity, such as wheelchair accessibility, ramps, and transfer platforms for students with special needs. The Gaudreau family, along with the school’s staff, is deeply committed to ensuring that the playground reflects the needs and wishes of the students, who have actively contributed ideas for the equipment.
To date, the necessary equipment for the playground has been ordered, and preparations for the community build are underway. However, additional resources and construction materials are still needed, including 175 tons of crushed concrete and beach sand. The school, which caters to children with special needs ranging from ages 3 to 21, has been a second home to many in the Gaudreau family, making this project particularly significant.
The Gaudreau legacy lives on, not just through the planned playground, but also in the strong ties the family has maintained with the school. The brothers actively volunteered at Archbishop Damiano when their hockey schedules allowed, and their mother, Jane, has worked there since 1984. The community’s outpouring of love and support confirms that the Gaudreau brothers will be remembered fondly, not just as athletes, but as compassionate individuals devoted to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
