On May 31st, the 1st annual Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk & Family Day will occur in Washington Lake Park, Sewell, NJ. If you’re in Columbus, Calgary, or anywhere else in North America and would like to participate, you’ll be able to do just that by completing a virtual 5k.
The event is described as follows: “Friends of the Gaudreau Family have organized a 5K fundraising event to support the Gaudreau Family, honor the memory of their sons, and help build a playground for children with disabilities at Archbishop Damiano School.”
The 1st Annual Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk will take place at Washington Lake Park in Washington Township, Sewell, NJ, on May 31, 2025, at 8 AM. The event includes a competitive chip-timed 5K race, a chip-timed fun run/walk, and a 1-mile kids' fun run. The Family Fun Day includes music, games, All-Star Dance performances, face-painting, a balloon artist, yoga, raffle baskets, food, and beverage sales. Celebrity guest appearances are planned.- Press Release
If you’d like to register and be a part of this special event, please check it out here.
Virtual 5K runs/walks can also take place in any city in North America. Just complete your 5K run/walk anytime between May 24, 2025, and May 31, 2025, by 11:00 AM and submit your results online to receive a finisher T-shirt and medal in the mail. You can submit your results online. Click here for the instructions on how to submit your results.
There will also be an online charity auction that includes signed jerseys from athletes such as Jalen Hurts, Peyton Manning, Aaron Judge, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sidney Crosby.
For Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames fans, there is a 2023 NHL All-Star Jersey, personally signed by Johnny Gaudreau, which is the “most special item of the event.” You can go here to check out the auction.
*All event proceeds will be donated to the Archbishop Damiano School adaptive playground in Westville, NJ.
See the Full Press Release Below
A Legacy in Motion: 1st Annual Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk & Family Day The event slated for Saturday, May 31, 2025, will support the creation of an adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School
Sewell, NJ (Saturday, March 15, 2025) – The Gaudreau family, together with an extensive network of friends and community members, announce the 1st Annual Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk & Family Day, presented by Fanatics, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Washington Lake Park, Sewell, NJ. This meaningful community gathering will celebrate the enduring legacy and lasting impact of John and Matthew Gaudreau, whose lives were tragically lost last summer. John and Matthew were celebrated throughout their lives for their humility and unwavering commitment to giving back to their communities, regardless of their success or recognition. In that same spirit, their family will honor their memory by directing all event proceeds to the creation of an adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School (ADS). ADS, located in Westville, NJ, provides services to over 135 students with multiple disabilities by offering individualized and inclusive special education programs and therapies for students ages 3-21. ADS programs focus on building independence through an engaging curriculum and fostering an environment where students feel valued, respected, and supported. "To know the Gaudreau family is to know that family comes before all else," said Michele McCloskey, Executive Director and Principal of the Archbishop Damiano School. "The family’s long-standing dedication and history at Archbishop Damiano School have been a source of inspiration for us all. Their kindness and love continue to touch our hearts as they strive to live our mission and impact our students' lives despite their loss."The Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk & Family Day is an opportunity for South Jersey and Delaware Valley residents to support the Gaudreau family and walk beside them as they navigate this trying journey. The inspiring morning events will feature a competitive 5K run for serious runners and a fun run/walk for more casual participants. Children’s activities will include a 1-mile run and shorter kids’ dash, face-painting, games, and more. Local police and fire departments will be on hand to provide even more hands-on activities for those in attendance.
“The lives of John and Matthew have left an indelible mark not just on our local community, but on countless individuals across the country and around the world,” said Michael Green, committee member of the inaugural event. “What makes this event truly special is that it’s not confined to the Greater Philadelphia area. We envision satellite events in cities like Columbus, Calgary, and Boston—and in every community touched by the inspiring legacy of these two remarkable young men.”Participants anywhere can choose a virtual option, whether they're individuals running the race solo, families joining together for a walk, or communities hosting their own smaller events.
A raffle of gift baskets and online merchandise sales will help raise additional funds. The memorabilia auction boasts a wide range of unique items, including signed jerseys from top athletes such as Jalen Hurts, Peyton Manning, Aaron Judge, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sidney Crosby. The centerpiece of the auction is a 2023 NHL All-Star Jersey, personally signed by Johnny Gaudreau, making it the most special item of the event. To view all the items, https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/bid/14203 To learn more about the 1st Annual Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk and Family Day, sponsor or to register, visit: www.runsignup.com/GaudreauFamily5K
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