5K Memorial Raises Funds for an Accessible Playground in Honor of the Gaudreau Brothers
In a moving event, the first 5K in memory of John and Matthew Gaudreau exceeded expectations by raising more than $500,000. This impressive sum will allow the construction of an accessible playground at the special education school where the hockey players’ mother works. The “Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run and Family Day” was held in May at Washington Lake Park, New Jersey, a place frequented by John and Matthew during their childhood. The event attracted more than 1,100 in-person participants and another 1,100 virtually, from the United States, Canada, and various parts of the world. The funds raised, added to the contributions in memory of John and Matt, made it possible to reach the financial goal for the accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School. Jane Gaudreau and her daughter Kristen work at this institution, and the project was spearheaded by John and Matthew in honor of their grandmother Marie, who dedicated 44 years of service to the school and passed away in 2023. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for late August or early September, with community construction planned for October 4th.The next edition of the “Gaudreau Family 5K Walk” is tentatively scheduled for May 16, 2026. The Gaudreau brothers, John, who played 10 seasons in the NHL with Calgary and Columbus, died last August, on the eve of their sister’s wedding, after being hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in New Jersey. The playground initiative was launched by director Michele McCloskey in October 2020. Fundraising, which spanned five years, was supported by friends from the hockey world and others inspired by the brothers and their cause. The Gaudreaus and Archbishop Damiano staff dedicated themselves to raising funds for a modern playground, which will include wheelchair accessibility, ramps, and transfer platforms for students. The 5K event included an online auction of items of interest that went beyond the scope of hockey, with all proceeds going to the park project and its original goal of $600,000. The playground area is already delimited and the equipment has been ordered, although there is still work to be done. Materials such as 175 tons of crushed concrete and beach sand will be needed to complete the project. The Archbishop Damiano School was founded in 1968 for children with Down syndrome and currently serves 135 students with special needs between the ages of 3 and 21. Jane Gaudreau’s brother attended the school, and her mother worked there. Jane was hired in 1984 and is still a financial associate. Kristen, the eldest daughter, has taught at the school for almost two decades. Katie, the youngest daughter, who got married in July, used to help with the children when she could, and the two Gaudreau siblings volunteered at the school when they weren’t playing hockey.Because of the rain, we thought that many people wouldn’t come. But it was an incredible turnout. Many people asked us if we will do it next year. It was an outpouring of love and affection, especially for the boys in our family.
Jane Gaudreau
