Charitable 5K Event Led by Gaudreau Family Amasses Over Half a Million Dollars for Accessible Playground Construction at a School for Special Education
Gaudreau Family 5K Walk Raises Funds for Accessible Playground
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Gaudreau Family 5K Walk has successfully raised over $500,000 for an accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School in New Jersey. The playground, which will be wheelchair accessible with ramps and transfer platforms, is being built in honour of the Gaudreau brothers, who tragically lost their lives in a road accident last August.
The tragedy struck the close-knit community hard, with the Gaudreau brothers being well-known for their volunteer work at Archbishop Damiano School, a institution that caters to 125 students with special needs aged 3 to 21. The brothers' grandmother, Marie Gaudreau, dedicated 44 years of her life to the school before her passing in 2023.
The playground initiative was launched by principal Michele McCloskey in October 2020, and has since gained significant support from friends in the hockey world and beyond. Jane Gaudreau, the mother of the Gaudreau brothers, has been a finance associate at Archbishop Damiano School since 1984, while her older daughter, Kristen, has taught at the school for almost two decades. The younger daughter, Katie, used to assist with the kids at the school when she could.
The timeline for the construction and community build of the accessible playground is as follows: groundbreaking is scheduled for late August to early September 2025, with the community build tentatively starting on October 4, 2025. The new area for the playground has been staked out, and the equipment has been ordered. However, materials such as 175 tons of crushed concrete and beach sand are still needed to complete the construction.
The original goal for the playground fundraising was $600,000, a target that was reached through the Gaudreau Family 5K event and other fundraising efforts. The Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run and Family Day was held in May at Washington Lake Park in southern New Jersey, with over 1,100 participants attending in person, and more than 1,100 participating virtually.
The next Gaudreau Family 5K Walk is tentatively scheduled for May 16, 2026. The funds raised from this event will no doubt continue to make a significant impact, ensuring that the legacy of the Gaudreau brothers lives on, not just in memory, but in the smiles and laughter of children at Archbishop Damiano School for years to come.
- The success of the Gaudreau Family 5K Walk demonstrates the significant impact of science, with organized events raising funds for valuable community initiatives.
- Health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise are demonstrated through the participation of over 1,100 people in the Gaudreau Family 5K Walk/Run and Family Day.
- The tragic loss of the Gaudreau brothers highlights the importance of mental health awareness and support within communities.
- Sports, specifically hockey, has shown its ability to rally support for a worthy cause, with friends in the hockey world contributing significantly to the playground fund.
- Football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, racing, mixed-martial-arts, and other sports might wish to emulate the Gaudreau Family 5K's example, using their platforms for good.
- The WNBA, NBA, MLB, NHL, and other prominent sports organizations could consider partnering with schools or charities to build more accessible playgrounds and facilities.
- Sports-betting enthusiasts might choose to support causes like the Gaudreau Family 5K, ensuring their fun and excitement contribute positively to the community.
- University sports, such as NCAA basketball, could organize events to raise funds for accessibility projects like the playground at Archbishop Damiano School.
- The Gaudreau family's commitment to their community is a shining example of sports-analysis, where the impact of sports extends beyond the field and into causes like health, wellness, and inclusivity.
- Auto-racing and horse-racing organizations could follow the lead of sports like hockey, using their platforms to raise funds for accessible playgrounds and similar initiatives.
- The construction of the accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School will have rippling effects throughout various aspects of society, from science and health to sports and mental health.
