PITTSGROVE – When guests arrived for the Gaudreau Family Scholarship Golf Outing on Aug. 22, they were met with a powerful message printed on banners and programs: “Their story and impact will live on forever.”
Indeed, that message came to fruition as more than 120 people took part in the sold-out event, a fundraiser supporting current and future Gloucester Catholic High School students through tuition assistance.
For eight years, the event was known as the Johnny Gaudreau Scholarship Golf Tournament. Last year, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were struck and killed while riding their bikes. Both were alumni; Matthew Gaudreau had recently returned to the school to coach.
“This tournament has meant so much to the Gloucester Catholic family,” said Tom Iacovone Jr., school principal. “Their memory is never going to fade. The impact that they had … both in giving back but also in being part of the fabric of the Gloucester Catholic family.”
In addition to being sold out, the event – held at the Ron Jaworski Running Deer Golf Club – garnered lots of community support, including 40 sponsorships and prizes for the online auction from local and national professional sports teams.
“We get a lot of people who are not directly connected with Gloucester Catholic but still want to be a part of this because of the respect they have for the Gaudreau family,” noted Ryan Murphy, athletic director and director of enrollment at school.
As of press time, the outing had earned more than $50,000 for the school. That amount is likely to increase as donations and silent auction bids continue to be counted.
As in years past, members of the Gaudreau family were on hand to greet and thank participants, as well as to take a moment to share stories of Johnny and Matthew.
“Knowing that we are keeping the boys’ legacy alive … that gives us all more purpose,” said their mother, Jane Gaudreau.
During a press conference held before the event, the Gaudreaus’ sister, Katie, shared a conversation she had with Johnny after last year’s golf outing. While driving home, he mentioned wanting to get more involved the following year to “make it bigger and better.” Because of this, she said, “I have put my heart and soul into this school and this event and will continue to for as long as it exists.”
Before heading out on the course, the golfers joined the Gaudreaus, Iacovone and other committee members for a remembrance ceremony, which included a gift presentation to the family and a prayer by Father Peter Gallagher, Gloucester Catholic’s director of Catholic Identity.
As the golfers hit the links and volunteers shifted gears from check-in to a dinner and auction, Pat Murphy, executive director of development for the school, reflected on the day.
“Our mission is to keep the memory of the Gaudreau brothers alive ,” Murphy said. “This event definitely helps.”
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