A project to build an accessible playground at a special education school in the Diocese of Camden received a major boost thanks to members of the Gaudreau family, who continue their efforts to honor their sons’ memory through supporting others in the community.
A recent 5K was organized in memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were struck and killed on Aug. 29, 2024, while bicycling not far from where they grew up in Salem County. Both were graduates of Gloucester Catholic High School and maintained strong ties to the community there. Johnny Gaudreau was a National Hockey League seven-time All Star, and Matthew had recently returned to coach at Gloucester Catholic.
The run – which drew more than 1,100 participants as well as more than 1,000 virtual participants from across the country, Canada and around the world – was organized in Washington Lake Park to support building an accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School, a private special education school in Westville that serves some 125 students with intellectual and developmental challenges. The fundraiser yielded more than $500,000 in contributions to support the project.
“The Gaudreau family’s efforts have made a remarkable impact on our adaptive playground initiative,” said Michele McCloskey, the school’s executive director. “With the combination of in-memorial donations, grants given in John and Matty’s memory and the Gaudreau 5K, we were able to finally reach our playground goal. This milestone reflects the outpouring of generosity of all who have supported the students of Archbishop Damiano School and the Gaudreau family.”
Efforts to raise money for an accessible playground began in October 2020, and the school has worked since then to raise funds through Giving Tuesday campaigns, spirit wear, flower sales, raffles and other fundraisers. With the 5K pushing them over the finish line, the school plans to start building Oct. 4, and organizers welcome volunteers ages 14 and older to join them in kicking off the project.
“This space will provide our students with a safe, fully accessible environment designed to meet their diverse needs,” McCloskey said. “Beyond recreation, the playground will serve as an extension of our educational and therapeutic programming, helping students build motor skills, practice social interaction and experience the joy of play in an inclusive setting.”
For the Gaudreau family, Archbishop Damiano School has long played a big role. Jane Gaudreau, Johnny and Matthew’s mother, is the school’s finance associate and has been part of the community there for more than 40 years. Her mother previously worked there for some 44 years, and Jane’s brother was a former student there. Today, Jane Gaudreau’s daughter, Kristen Venello, is a speech therapy assistant at the school.
“After the heartbreaking loss of Jane’s sons, John and Matthew, the family wanted to honor their memory in a meaningful way,” said McCloskey. “Their decision to support our accessible playground initiative has been a powerful and heartfelt tribute.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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