“John and Matty would be so proud”: Annual Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk memorializes NHL sensations Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

The memory of NHL sensation Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, now-retired professional hockey player Matthew Gaudreau, will be honored this weekend in a unique way with the first-ever Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk and Family Day in Sewell, New Jersey.

The celebration— scheduled for Saturday at Washington Lake Park—already sold out its in-person registration in just three weeks. There is still virtual participation available for people who wish to come from afar.

Family day in honor of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau benefits school for kids with special needs

Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau were known for their sporting achievements, and both brothers volunteered at Archbishop Damiano School growing up — the same school their mother, Jane Gaudreau, has worked at for more than 40 years. The community event is designed to celebrate the Gaudreau family's long-standing ties to South Jersey while raising money for something near and dear to their hearts: constructing an inclusive playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, Gloucester County — a school that has been molding the Gaudreau family for generations. The event will feature far more than the 5K run/walk. There will be face painting, yoga classes, a live deejay, food booths, and a silent auction packed with unique sports memorabilia.

Raffle baskets have been donated in excess of 75 as well for the event. The timing of the incident adds an extra emotional punch for the Gaudreau family. One day before their sister's wedding last August, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were hit by a suspected drunken driver while riding their bikes in Salem County. Sean Higgins, 44, is being charged in the incident. “We wanted to do something that would be fun for the children, for everybody,” their mother, Jane Gaudreau said.

“We have face painting, and there’s going to be yoga, there’s lots of food, and there’s over 75 raffle baskets.” Jane Gaudreau added that Saturday's event is not only fundraising but also appreciation. “My brother, who has special needs, started school there back in the ‘70s, and my mom went up with him, and she also taught there,” she said. “I would have to take my lunch at the end of the day. I would pick them up around a little after 2 and then bring them to my work.

They would volunteer at my work until my oldest daughter was finished, or I was finished, and we would go home from there.

There’s so many people that really helped us that we really haven’t had a chance to thank. It’s just phenomenal the way this committee has just worked so hard to do this in honor of the boys. I know John and Matty would be so proud.” Also read: “There are days I can hardly get out of bed”: Jane Gaudreau shares emotional Instagram story rememberingWith the community behind the project, this fall will see ground broken on the new adaptive playground — a testament to the lasting legacy of the Gaudreau family.