Competitors began the first Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk and Family Fun Day on Saturday morning, May 31, at Washington Lake Park, where Philadelphia Flyers cheerleaders (right photo) Micaela Galiano (left to right), Maria Gentile and Paige DeAngelo helped out with a basket auction.
Dodging occasional raindrops before basking in the sun, thousands of people, hundreds of runners and lots of children supported a new cause at Washington Lake Park on May 31.
Lauren Hart kicked off the festivities during the first annual Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk and Family Day with a rousing rendition of the national anthem. At 8 a.m. a full-slate of runners took off in a competitive, chip-timed 5K, followed by a non-competitive, chip-timed race and one-mile fun run for children on winding park pathways.
The event included music, games, dance performances, face painting and yoga, all for the cause to build an adaptive playground for students at the Archbishop Damiano School in Westville.
“The turnout is great,” said Deborah Vasaturo, one of 18 committee members who organized the event to honor the memory of brothers John and Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed by an alleged drunk driver last summer. “I would like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers.
“We are so grateful for the wonderful community support we received.”
“From the very beginning, our friends and family who organized this 5K have overwhelmed us with their love and dedication,” noted John and Matthew’s mother, Jane. “While we always knew how extraordinary John and Matty were, witnessing thousands of people come together to honor them has been amazing.
“From the moment we arrived on Saturday, we felt surrounded by love. This outpouring of support has brought our family comfort, and we will carry this gratitude with us always,” added Jane, whose husband Guy coached his sons on ice hockey teams at Hollydell Ice Arena in Washington Township and at Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City.
While awaiting the start of the festivities on the stage with family members, a Gaudreau granddaughter came up to say hello. Jane smiled and gave her a hug.
“That moment captured everything that matters most to us – family,” she remarked. “We have always been so very close, and even in the face of this unimaginable loss, that bond continues. Our entire family, including those we’ve chosen as family, has become our lifeline.
“The love that has reached us from every corner – our local community, across the nation, and even from around the world – has been nothing short of amazing,” Jane added. “Each tribute, each story shared, each act of kindness has introduced us to people whose lives were touched by John and Matty. Learning about all the ways they helped others, never seeking recognition, has only confirmed what we always knew: They were humble and kind young men who did so much good.
“It is now our mission to do the good they would have, and to do it in their honor.”
There have been tributes at National Hockey League games as well as at Gloucester Catholic and the Hollydell Ice Arena, which renamed its rink for youngsters the Gaudreau Rink.
“When children take their first steps on the ice at the rink, learning to love hockey the way our boys did, or when students gather at the inclusive playground where every child can play together – that will honor John and Matty,” Jane explained. “These aren’t just buildings or equipment; they’re the living impact of two young men.
“We know they would be so proud and honored to see what their family, and so many people around the world did for them.”
The committee members who organized the successful Family Fun Day included: Tom Bunting, Ed Gaudreau, Jim Gaudreau, Kevin Gentile, Lisa Gentile, Mike Green, Paula Green, Carol Hill, Jim Hill, Gillian Kocher, Nicole Maldonado, Marie O’Connor, Paul O’Connor, Bud Robinson, Maureen Robinson, Stacy Stevens, Chairperson Deborah Vasaturo and James Vasaturo.
“Guy taught my son, Charlie, how to skate,” shared Vasaturo, who is looking forward to the new playground. “We’ve been friends for 28 years. The Gaudreau family has a long and dedicated history with the Archbishop Damiano School. 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,” Vasaturo added. “John and Matthew’s sister, Kristen Gaudreau Venello, has contributed 24 years of service.”
John and Matthew’s other sister, Katie Gaudreau, also supported the school, volunteering and working as a substitute teacher during the summers while she was in college.
“Additionally, Guy, John and Matty have volunteered their time over the years,” Vasaturo pointed out. “The family’s connection to the school runs even deeper. John and Matthew’s uncle attended the school as a student in the 1970s and 1980s.
“The Gaudreau family believes supporting the playground is a beautiful way to honor the legacy of their sons, John and Matthew.”
Those who want to make a donation for the new playground, contact Vasaturo at 1stgaudreau5k@gmail.com.
