Sometimes the most powerful way to heal is to move forward. On May 31, the inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk and Family Day will take place at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey, bringing together a community to honor the lives of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau .The two brothers, both beloved figures in hockey and their hometown, tragically passed away last August after being hit by an alleged drunk driver.
Virtual 5K event to support adaptive playground in New Jersey
All proceeds from the 5K will fund the construction of an adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, NJ, a school deeply connected to the Gaudreau family. Jane Gaudreau, the boys’ mother, has worked there for years, and Johnny and Matthew often volunteered with the students, many of whom have special needs.
It's kind of bittersweet, because besides doing tributes or going out and talking about the playground, or doing something in the boys' honor, [husband] Guy and I especially have done not really anything,” Jane recalls. “I feel like by May, and knowing that all our friends will be there, and people that we know from NHL and local hockey, they'll all be there. So I feel like it'll be almost like a warm hug. I know I'm looking forward to that.”
The school has become the heartbeat of this initiative, with the Gaudreaus determined to make a difference in the lives of students they once spent so much time with. The playground will serve as a joyful, inclusive space, a permanent reminder of the boys’ spirit and service.
Sports memorabilia auction featuring signed jerseys and items from top athletes
Alongside the run, an online sports memorabilia auction is generating major buzz. Fans can bid on signed items from NHL superstars like Sidney Crosby, Jack Hughes, Matthew Tkachuk, and Johnny Gaudreau, as well as NFL legends including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Jalen Hurts. Baseball fans can look out for items signed by Aaron Judge and others.
Also Read: NHL star Dominik Hasek calls Donald Trump "Traitor" over silence after missile attack on Kyiv
With more than 600 participants already signed up for the virtual 5K, including entries from Columbus, Calgary, Boston, Omaha, and Dubuque, the Gaudreau Family 5K is growing into something far bigger than expected.
“We thought it would be something local, like maybe we'll have 100 runners,” Jane says.
Virtual 5K event to support adaptive playground in New Jersey
All proceeds from the 5K will fund the construction of an adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, NJ, a school deeply connected to the Gaudreau family. Jane Gaudreau, the boys’ mother, has worked there for years, and Johnny and Matthew often volunteered with the students, many of whom have special needs.
It's kind of bittersweet, because besides doing tributes or going out and talking about the playground, or doing something in the boys' honor, [husband] Guy and I especially have done not really anything,” Jane recalls. “I feel like by May, and knowing that all our friends will be there, and people that we know from NHL and local hockey, they'll all be there. So I feel like it'll be almost like a warm hug. I know I'm looking forward to that.”
The school has become the heartbeat of this initiative, with the Gaudreaus determined to make a difference in the lives of students they once spent so much time with. The playground will serve as a joyful, inclusive space, a permanent reminder of the boys’ spirit and service.
Sports memorabilia auction featuring signed jerseys and items from top athletes
Alongside the run, an online sports memorabilia auction is generating major buzz. Fans can bid on signed items from NHL superstars like Sidney Crosby, Jack Hughes, Matthew Tkachuk, and Johnny Gaudreau, as well as NFL legends including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Jalen Hurts. Baseball fans can look out for items signed by Aaron Judge and others.
Also Read: NHL star Dominik Hasek calls Donald Trump "Traitor" over silence after missile attack on Kyiv
With more than 600 participants already signed up for the virtual 5K, including entries from Columbus, Calgary, Boston, Omaha, and Dubuque, the Gaudreau Family 5K is growing into something far bigger than expected.
“We thought it would be something local, like maybe we'll have 100 runners,” Jane says.
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