In a powerful tribute to the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, over 1,000 people gathered on Saturday morning for the inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run and Family Day at Washington Lake Park in Southern New Jersey. The event, aimed at celebrating the brothers’ legacy after their tragic passing in a biking accident last year, drew participation from more than 1,300 individuals virtually from across the globe. The Gaudreau family plans to use the funds raised to enhance accessibility at the Archbishop Damiano School, where both brothers had previously volunteered.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Tribute to the Gaudreau Brothers |
| 2) Community and NHL Player Support |
| 3) Fundraising Goals and Objectives |
| 4) Memories and Legacy |
| 5) Future of the Gaudreau Family Event |
Tribute to the Gaudreau Brothers
The inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run and Family Day served as a heartfelt tribute to brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically lost their lives in a bicycling accident less than a year ago. The event took place at Washington Lake Park, a significant location for the siblings who frequented the park during their childhood. This park is situated minutes away from Hollydell Ice Arena, the starting point for their youth hockey careers, where they fostered a deep connection with the sport and community.
The gathering of over 1,000 attendees signifies the profound impact the brothers had on their community and friends. “This event really showcases how loved they were,” said Brady Tkachuk, an NHL star who attended the event. His sentiment was echoed by many who participated, highlighting the sense of loss felt throughout the community since the tragic accident. The morning event included a race for participants, each one reflecting on their connection to the Gaudreau brothers as they sought to honor their memories through participation.
Community and NHL Player Support
Numerous NHL players, including Erik Gudbranson, Zach Aston-Reese, and Tony DeAngelo, were present to show their support for the Gaudreau family. Many wore commemorative gear dedicated to the deceased brothers, with Tkachuk spotted in a “Johnny Hockey” hoodie featuring the iconic number 13 on the back. This show of solidarity underscores the close-knit nature of the hockey community, which has rallied together in remembrance of the Gaudreau brothers.
Gudbranson expressed his condolences by saying, “Hockey’s a very tight community. It’s still a tragedy. We miss the boys.” Such statements reflect the emotional toll the brothers’ deaths have had not just on their family but also on their colleagues and friends in professional sports. The overwhelming support received at the 5K event is emblematic of the bond shared within the hockey fraternity, emphasizing both the personal loss and the collective mourning of the community.
Fundraising Goals and Objectives
The primary objective of the Gaudreau Family 5K was to raise funds for the Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, a nonprofit institution serving students with disabilities. The school, where their mother Jane Gaudreau and sister Kristen work, had a pressing need for an accessible playground. It resonates with the spirit of volunteerism exemplified by the brothers during their lives.
The Gaudreau family aimed to raise $600,000 through this initiative, building on the $400,000 already collected prior to the event. This fundraising effort not only aims to enhance the educational environment for the children at the Archbishop Damiano School but also commemorates the lives of Johnny and Matthew through this charitable endeavor. The community’s generous support indicates a shared commitment to improving accessibility and fostering inclusivity for all students.
Memories and Legacy
Throughout the event, memories of Johnny and Matthew were shared and celebrated, reminding attendees of their joyful spirits and impactful lives. Guy Gaudreau, the brothers’ father, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community, stating, “It really means a lot to Jane and the girls and the family. We miss the boys, and it really means a lot for us to have you here to honor my boys.” His words resonated with many, emphasizing how profoundly the boys are missed and the importance of remembering their legacy.
Messages from friends and family also contributed to a more personal touch, as stories were shared reflecting the brothers’ compassionate nature and dedication to their community. The event served not just as a charity run but as a celebration of life, love, and the enduring impact the Gaudreau brothers had on those around them. The memories sparked joy amidst the grief, showcasing the light the brothers brought to their community.
Future of the Gaudreau Family Event
Looking forward, the Gaudreau family is determined to make the 5K event a recurring annual occurrence, potentially expanding the event to reach broader audiences in cities like Calgary and Columbus, where Johnny played professional hockey. This initiative not only reflects their desire to keep the brothers’ memory alive but also aims to build community engagement across different locations. Each year, they hope to create an opportunity for not just commemoration but also community building and support.
With the success of the inaugural event, there is optimism that it will continue to grow. Attendance of over 1,100 in-person participants and an additional 1,300 sending in virtual support demonstrates the expansive reach of this cause. As the event evolves, the Gaudreau family envisions it transforming into an even larger initiative to aid schools and persons with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive setting for future generations.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | The inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run was a tribute to brothers Johnny and Matthew, held at Washington Lake Park. |
| 2 | Over 1,000 people gathered for the event, including numerous NHL players and community members. |
| 3 | The event aimed to raise funds for an accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School. |
| 4 | Family and friends shared memories of the brothers, emphasizing their compassionate nature. |
| 5 | The family intends to make this event an annual occurrence to honor the brothers’ legacy. |
Summary
The inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run deeply highlighted the strong connection shared between the Gaudreau brothers and their community. Gathering substantial support from both friends and NHL players, the event showcased the brothers’ remarkable legacy while aiming to assist those in need. The funds raised will pave the way for an accessible playground at a local school, reflecting the values of compassion and community service that the brothers embodied in their lives. As the event seeks to continue annually, it stands as a testament to their enduring impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why was the Gaudreau Family 5K event organized?
The event was organized as a tribute to the late brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, aiming to raise funds for an accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School, where both had volunteered.
Question: How many participants were there in the event?
Over 1,000 people attended the event in person, with an additional 1,300 participating virtually from all around the world.
Question: What is the significance of Archbishop Damiano School?
Archbishop Damiano School is a nonprofit institution catering to students with disabilities, and is significant because it reflects the Gaudreau brothers’ commitment to community service.
