Discussing the legacy of John and Matty Gaudreau during last month’s golf fundraiser in their memory were their sister, Kristen (left to right); parents Guy and Jane Gaudreau; and another sister, Katie.
Golfers arrived early on the beautiful morning of Aug. 22 for the inaugural Gaudreau Family Scholarship Golf Outing at Ron Jaworski’s Running Deer Golf Club in Pittsgrove.
The event – whose proceeds will benefit Gloucester Catholic High School students – honored the legacies of John and Matty Gaudreau while supporting a meaningful cause in the school’s community.
The brothers – who were killed last August when an alleged drunk driver struck them as they rode bikes in Salem County – had often noted that the golf outing that began in 2017 to benefit the school was a favorite event filled with fun and camaraderie, Principal Tom Iacovone said during a press conference at last month’s event.
“Johnny Hockey” Gaudreau started the fundraiser to provide scholarships for students at his alma mater. The brothers had helped Gloucester Catholic win the NJSIAA (New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association) South Jersey Ice Hockey championship in 2010.
“We will do anything we can to help students go to Gloucester Catholic,” said the men’s father, Guy Gaudreau, during the golf outing. He is a former college ice hockey star who coached his sons both at Hollydell Ice Arena in Washington Township and at Gloucester Catholic in Gloucester City.
“This is a good way for us to give back,” said John and Matty’s mother, Jane, adding how important it is for the Gaudreau family to keep their sons’ legacy alive.
When her boys first enrolled at Gloucester Catholic, Jane recounted, she had to ask a neighbor where the parking lot was. The answer was “park on the street.” Jane was a little nervous, but after meeting the students and faculty, she says she “fell in love” with the school.
“The students and the staff were so nice,” she recalled. “It was like a family, and that’s what we wanted. We are a close family and we do everything together. So many people have rallied around us. We would not have made it through this year without their support. It has been like a warm hug.
“Our purpose is to keep Johnny and Matty’s legacy alive.”
“This is so important to me,” added the men’s sister, Katie, also a Gloucester Catholic alum, whose wedding was to take place the day after her brothers were killed. “My parents sacrificed so we could go to school there. Not every family has the opportunity to send their children to Gloucester Catholic.”
“So many people have been there for us,” noted another sister, Kristen. “It has been like one big hug for the family.”
The golf event was sold out for the players, but individuals and businesses supported it by purchasing a sponsorship or making bids in an online auction that included tickets to upcoming Phillies, Eagles and Flyers games.
Gloucester Catholic Director of Development Gus Ostrum said the annual Gaudreau Family Scholarship Golf Outing will accomplish the following:
“To support the ongoing education of deserving students at Gloucester Catholic High School, a cause close to John and Matty’s hearts; to provide a meaningful opportunity for family, friends and benefactors to come together honoring the lives of John and Matty and fostering lasting relationships.
“And to keep their memories alive by inspiring future generations with their spirit of generosity and love for community.”
Gloucester Catholic High School Principal Tom Iacovone addresses the golfers at the start of the inaugural Gaudreau Family Scholarship Golf Outing before presenting a gift to the family.
