Katie Gaudreau (with microphone), the sister of Johnny and Matty Gaudreau, addresses a capacity crowd of 2,500 mourners at a remembrance for her brothers at Hollydell Ice Arena last year. The brothers’ memory will be celebrated at the Gaudreau Family 5K run/walk and family fun day on Saturday at Sewell’s Washington Lake Park.
On a summer evening last year the day before their sister’s wedding, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by an alleged drunk driver – a heartbreaking tragedy for their loved ones and friends at Hollydell Ice Arena in Washington Township.
Their deaths reverberated elsewhere in the South Jersey hockey community, at Gloucester Catholic High School where the two hockey stars led the Rams to the NJSIAA South Jersey Championship, and throughout the world among NHL fans and players.
The Gaudreau family has also had a significant impact across the U.S. and Canada, with many events honoring their sons’ lives and memories, according to Michael Green, one of 17 people organizing the inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K run/walk and family fun day on Saturday, May 31.
“This is a local event,” he said, “as their family has been immersed with the community for years.”
The day will start with the 5K competitive run at 8 a.m. in Sewell’s Washington Lake Park. Green said the event is an opportunity for people in South Jersey – the many Hollydell hockey clubs, Gloucester Catholic and local businesses like Katie Gaudreau’s All-Star Dance Studio – to come together in support of the Gaudreaus.
Guy and Jane Gaudreau are dedicated to honoring their sons’ memory with a family-focused event, bringing together those who’ve known and supported them over the years, event chair Deborah Vasaturo noted.
“Guy taught my son, Charlie, how to skate,” she shared. “We have been friends for 28 years.”
All money raised from the event will be used to build an adaptive playground for students with disabilities at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville.
“The Gaudreau family has a long and dedicated history with the Archbishop Damiano School,” Vasaturo said. “Marie Lloyd, John and Matthew’s grandmother, worked there for 44 years, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. Jane has been a valued member of the school community for over 41 years. John and Matthew’s sister, Kristen Gaudreau Venello, has contributed 24 years of service.
“Their sister, Katie Gaudreau, also supported the school, volunteering and working as a substitute teacher during the summers while she was in college,” Vasaturo added. “Additionally, Guy, John and Matty have volunteered their time over the years. The family’s connection to the school runs even deeper. John and Matthew’s uncle attended the school in the 1970s and 1980s.”
Vasturo also noted that the new playground at the school will provide exercise and fun for children with disabilities for many years.
“The Gaudreau family believes supporting the playground is a beautiful way to honor the legacy of their sons, John and Matthew,” she said.
Along with the run/walk, family fun day will feature celebrity guests, a one-mile children’s run and plenty of games and activities. For information, go to https://runsignup.com/gaudreaufamily5k.
Businesses and organizations are encouraged to become sponsors, and can do so by contacting Vasaturo at 1stgaudreau5k@gmail.com.
