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Johnny Gaudreau's family hosting 5K to honor his and brother Matthew's legacy
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- Johnny Gaudreau's family hosting 5K to honor his and brother Matthew's legacy
The family and friends of Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau continue their legacies by helping raise money to build an adaptive playground at a school where they grew up.
The first Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk and Family Day, presented by Fanatics, will be held May 31 in Sewell, New Jersey. While most of the events will occur in New Jersey, virtual participation and satellite events are encouraged.
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Organizers said participants have already registered in almost every state, along with Canada and Ireland.
The New Jersey event will include a competitive 5K run and a fun run and walk for casual participants. A children's one-mile run, face painting, and other games will also occur.
Related Gaudreau article: Where does case stand against driver accused of hitting Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau?
"What makes this event truly special is that it's not confined to the Greater Philadelphia area," event committee member Michael Green said. "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."
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The event will also feature a gift basket raffle and online merchandise sales to raise money. A memorabilia auction will include signed jerseys from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, New York Yankees player Aaron Judge and NHL stars Sidney Crosby and Matthew Tkachuk.
A 2023 NHL All-Star jersey signed by Johnny Gaudreau will also be a part of the auction. All items can be viewed online .
Money raised from the event will go toward creating an adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, New Jersey, which provides services for more than 130 students with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21. The school's programs focus on building independence and offer specialized education and therapeutic programs.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau died on Aug. 29 after being struck by a vehicle while bicycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were in town for their sister's wedding, which was scheduled for the following day.
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Johnny, 31, is survived by his wife, Meredith, and the couple's three children, 2-year-old Noa, 1-year-old Johnny Jr. and son Carter Michael, who was born April 1 .
Matthew, 29, is survived by his wife, Madeline, who gave birth to their son Tripp Matthew in December.
More information about the 5K and registration is available online at www.runsignup.com/GaudreauFamily5K .
Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@gannett.com or on Bluesky at @bethanybruner.dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Johnny Gaudreau's family hosting 5K to honor his and Matthew's legacy
