In an emotional event, the first 5K race in memory of John and Matthew Gaudreau raised more than $500,000, exceeding expectations and allowing the start of the construction of an accessible playground.
A Legacy of Love and Sport
The “Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run and Family Day”, held in May at Washington Lake Park in New Jersey, attracted more than 1,100 in-person participants and another 1,100 virtually, from the United States, Canada, and various parts of the world. This event, which took place in a significant location for the Gaudreau brothers, who used to frequent the park and the nearby Hollydell Ice Arena, where they began their hockey careers, exceeded all expectations. The funds raised, along with donations in memory of John and Matt, made it possible to reach the financial goal for the construction of the accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School, where Jane Gaudreau and her daughter Kristen work. This project, which the siblings had begun to promote in honor of their grandmother Marie, who dedicated 44 years to the school, became a reality thanks to the support of the community. The inauguration is scheduled for late August or early September, with the start of community construction tentatively set for October 4th.The next edition of the “Gaudreau Family 5K Walk” is scheduled for May 16, 2026. John, who played 10 seasons in the NHL, and Matthew lost their lives 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 spearheaded by director Michele McCloskey in October 2020. Over the last five years, funds have been raised consistently thanks to the support of friends from the hockey world and people inspired by the memory of the brothers.Due to the rain, we thought many people wouldn’t come, but the participation was incredible. Many people asked us if we would do it again next year. It was a great demonstration of love and affection, especially towards our children.
Jane Gaudreau
The Gaudreau family and the staff of Archbishop Damiano School were dedicated to raising funds for a modern playground that would offer accessibility for all students, including ramps and transfer platforms. The 5K event included an online auction of items of interest that extended beyond hockey, with all proceeds going to the playground project, whose original goal was to raise $600,000. The children’s playground area has already been marked out and the equipment has been ordered, but there is still work to be done. The Gaudreaus and the school need from 175 tons of crushed concrete to beach sand and other construction materials to complete the project.We heard from everyone how much they appreciated what [the brothers] did for the community, and they responded by helping us. We heard many beautiful stories, many people were very generous, wanting to be there for our family and do what they could to keep alive the legacy of John and Matty, which is what we wanted with the playground and to move forward.
Jane Gaudreau
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 finance 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.We are just planning our community building, in which we will need help.
Jane Gaudreau
