For those of you that did not get the opportunity to meet Matt, please read below for an example on how his simple message of LoVE inspired others...
Matt inspired people that he never even met, both in life and death. Here is a statement from Sarah who never met Matt, but who has this to say about him:
"Matt Wadleigh was an astounding person who I sadly never had the chance to meet. We had a few things in common though, the LoVE for the Dave Matthews Band! Matt was a die hard DMB fan who started something amazing in 2004. At the Chula Vista show, Matt did something extremely simple, yet breathtaking. He held up one simple sign that stated “LoVE" and continued to do this at future shows. I applaud this man, and his courage to do something like this.
Matt obviously had a strong connection with LoVE, and wasn’t shy about it. I must admit, I had never heard of Matt before his passing, but hearing what he did truly moved me and gave me goosebumps. It’s incredibly sad knowing that such a remarkable man has left us, but it’s also amazing to know that he left such a great impression on the DMB fan base. Together the fans are making their own signs and plan to bring them to shows…personally, I don’t have any more DMB shows to attend this season, but I’ve made my sign…and I hope to get the courage sometime soon to raise it high in a public place. We need to feel that LoVE inside of us. We need to follow the light. Don’t be hateful, don’t discriminate, instead LoVE everyone around you. Wake up tomorrow and let everyone around you know that you LoVE them. Let the person behind you in a store, who has one item, go in front of you, let the car stuck getting out of the parking lot go. Do something kind for someone today and just spread the LoVE." -Sarah
Matt passed from this life the same way he lived it--in peace. He was a kind and gentle soul. And there is so much to learn from his legacy. He had a genuine knack for making people feel comfortable and putting them at ease. He was often a man of few words, but there was strength and comfort in that silence. When he spoke people listened. He had many passions and deep convictions. A wonderful son, devoted brother, successful professional , friend to all, and an endless source of enjoyment for his niece and nephew. Matt marched to the beat of his own drum and it was a beat that was admired by those who knew him, and even those that didn't. Matt's life was not just a physical journey, it was a spiritual one as well. He put all of himself into everything he did whether it was playing the guitar, meditating, snowball fights with his niece and nephew, getting together with friends and family, or standing third row center holding up his "LoVE" sign at every Dave Matthews concert he could get to.
Matt truly loved and was loved by all."
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Please consider helping us spread the LoVE by donating. As a thank you, you will be sent LoVE buttons to share with your family, friends, coworkers and strangers that you meet along the way. The more LoVE buttons that are out there, the more LoVE is spread!
All proceeds go to funding our award program.
Matt Wadleigh LoVE Foundation
11468 Marketplace Drive North
Suite 600 - 1175
Champlin, MN 55316
