Bonnaroo is one heck of a four day music festival. The main attractions of the festival are the multiple stages of live music of all kinds, craftsmen and artisans selling unique products, food, and much more. The event itself is world famous, but it’s all the happening behind the scenes that caught Sanuk’s attention.
(via: Bonnaroo.com)
Bonnaroo attracts a special type of human- one passionate about experiencing and sharing the joys of the human experience. Thousands from all reaches of the country flock to the festival because of what it represents. If you’ve ever witnessed its wonder firsthand, you know it is certainly a beautiful sight to behold. In order to make the festival more enjoyable for all, the Bonnaroo has a message board forum for attendees and fans.
The site, Inforoo.com, was established so anyone could learn important tips and valuable insight on the weekend. One of the threads on the forum was “Best Shoes?” to attend Bonnaroo. The forum started over 2 years ago and has flourished ever since. Hundreds of people bought Sanuks based on the recommendation of CarpeDM01 aka Matt Sloan and his promotion of how tailored to the Bonnaroo experience they were.
Discussing topics on the Inforoo forum has become more than just an exchange of information. It’s about creating a place for compassionate, like-minded individuals. It has become a place where strong relationships are forged, fueled and cherished. Thanks in part to Matt Sloan.
Sloan. 2008.
Here is just one of Matt’s replies: “Sanuks…trust me, I’ve tried everything else, and a good pair of ’sidewalk surfers’ is absolutely the way to go. You dont want the flops, but the canvas ’shoe’ style. They’re light, uber comfy, well vented (so you dont get swamp foot), dry out quick if they get wet, wont give you blisters, but also wont randomly fall off your foot either. And best of all, you dont have to be seen wearing Crocs in public! ”
This year, at Bonnaroo tragedy struck as the festival lost one of it’s greatest champions. Sunday, June 13, Matt Sloan lost his life at the festival he loved. Matt collapsed from heat exhaustion during the event. He was given CPR and rushed to the hospital but it was too late. Although Matt was not officially affiliated with Sanuk, he truly stood by, advocated and spread us to everyone he could.
Upon Matt’s passing, the inboxes here at Sanuk were flooded with touching sentiments like these:
“This one person has touched so many lives of people that he only met through a Internet forum, let alone all the people that were lucky enough to meet him in person”. – Alessia T
“He will be a void in what has been our family for years. Inforoo was not just a message board, it was full of kind and helpful people, and Matt epitomized that.” – Sean H
“I have never met this man before. We have never talked, yet he sold me your shoe…He turned a lot of people on to your product. He was honest about your product. He was your best salesman, free..And best of all, ‘you don’t have to be seen wearing Crocs in public!’ was the line that got me.” – SCROG
“This week I am wearing Sanuks all week in honor of Matt.” – John O
Matt’s passing has touched countless individuals across the country- including us. Here at Sanuk, we cherish our loyal followers and advocates all over the world. It’s these relationships that help fuel what we do. This is why, this fall, in honor of Matt, Sanuk will be releasing a Sidewalk Surfer in his honor. The model will be appropriately named “Carpe DM” – an homage to Matt’s online forum handle through which he helped hundreds of people bring comfort to their lives.
If you would like to help to carry out Matt’s legacy, donations may be made to St. Andrew’s on-the-Sound, 101 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403. Please designate to ‘Matt’s Trees’. We here at Sanuk are looking forward to the release of Matt’s model. We hopes to do justice to such an influential, positive and compassionate figure who has made others better because he cared.
Click here to visit the forum where Matt made his mark.
Click here to view the forum posting on Matt’s passing.
In the wake of such tragedy, its only right that everyone
Smile…Pass it on
