Thousands honor Late Gaudreau Brothers At Charity 5K
Southern New Jersey-Over 1,000 peopel gathered saturday to commemorate Johnny And Matthew Gaudreau, nearly a year after their tragic passing. The inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run And Family Day occurred at washington Lake Park, a place of childhood memories for the brothers.
An estimated 1,100 individuals participated in person, with over 1,300 joining virtually across the united States, Canada, and even internationally. The event underscored the profound impact of the Gaudreau family.
NhL Stars And Community Unite
Ottawa Senators Star Brady Tkachuk, among other NhL players, attended the charity event. “I think it speaks to them as a family, how close thay were and how everybody loved being around them,” Tkachuk stated, highlighting the community’s support and the brothers’ lasting legacy.
Columbus Blue Jackets Defenseman Erik Gudbranson, Blue Jackets Forward Zach Aston-Reese, And New York Islanders Defenseman Tony Deangelo also joined, showing solidarity from the NhL community. “Our Family wouldn’t Have Missed This,” Gudbranson remarked,emphasizing the close-knit nature of the hockey world and the deep sense of loss.
Remembering Johnny And Matthew Gaudreau
The Gaudreau Brothers tragically died in a bicycling accident last year, leaving a void in their community and the hockey world. Their Impact, however, continues to inspire acts of kindness and remembrance.
Washington Lake Park held special meaning, located near Hollydell Ice Arena where Johnny And Matthew began their hockey journeys.
Supporting Archbishop Damiano School
The charity event aimed to raise funds for an accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville. Jane Gaudreau And Her daughter, Kristen, work at the school, and Johnny And Matthew Gaudreau previously volunteered there.
Archbishop damiano School,a nonprofit institution serving 135 students with disabilities,urgently needed playground upgrades.
Guy Gaudreau, Johnny And Matthew’s father, expressed his gratitude: “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.”
future Plans And Tributes
The Gaudreau Family intends to make the charity event an annual tradition, perhaps expanding to Calgary And Columbus. Johnny Gaudreau played for the Blue Jackets for two seasons, following nine seasons with the Calgary Flames.
Attendees honored the brothers by wearing commemorative gear,including Tkachuk sporting a “Johnny Hockey” hoodie with the number 13. The event also featured an auction of NhL memorabilia, with signed jerseys from various players.
Prior to Saturday, the Gaudreau family had raised $400,000. They were close to reaching their $600,000 goal set before the event.
Charity 5k Event Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run And Family Day |
| Location | Washington Lake Park, Southern New Jersey |
| Attendance | 1,100 in person, 1,300+ virtual |
| Beneficiary | Archbishop Damiano School’s Accessible Playground |
| Goal | Raise $600,000 (approaching target) |
The Importance Of Accessible playgrounds
Accessible playgrounds are vital for fostering inclusivity and development among children of all abilities.These spaces provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive growth, ensuring that every child can participate and benefit from play.
According To The United Nations Children’s Fund (unicef) Access To Play And Recreation Is A Fundamental right Of Every Child. Accessible playgrounds help fulfill this right, promoting overall well-being and equality.
Did You Know? Inclusive playgrounds can improve social skills and reduce stereotypes by encouraging interaction between children with and without disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Gaudreau Family 5K
- What was the Gaudreau Family 5K event for? The Gaudreau Family 5K event was held to honor the memory of Johnny And Matthew Gaudreau and to raise money for an accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School.
- Where did the Gaudreau Family 5K take place? The Gaudreau Family 5K took place at Washington Lake Park in Southern New Jersey.
- Which NhL players attended the Gaudreau 5K event? Brady Tkachuk,Erik Gudbranson,Zach Aston-Reese,And Tony Deangelo were among the NhL players who attended the Gaudreau 5K event.
- Why is Archbishop Damiano school significant to the Gaudreau family? Jane Gaudreau And Her Daughter, Kristen, work at Archbishop Damiano School, and Johnny And Matthew Gaudreau had volunteered there.
- what is the fundraising goal of the Gaudreau Family 5K? The fundraising goal of the Gaudreau Family 5K was $600,000, and they were nearing that target at the time of the event.
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