Ann Arbor, MI (August 18, 2021) - Matt VanHaaren, the CEO of EOTECH, is a very smart and accomplished man. He has managed and developed several technology businesses throughout his career. But Matt isn’t perfect. On the outside is a confident, outgoing personality but on the inside, Matt is a scaredy-cat. Matt is terrified of spiders, clowns and most of all heights. His fear of heights all started with the Great Parking Lot Fall of 1984 where Matt was doing his best Mary Lou Retton balance beam routine on a parking lot curb. During his dismount, Matt fell all 7 inches to the ground suffering major injuries including a knee scrape and bad case of gravel hands. This event changed Matt forever. From then on, Matt avoided parking curbs and large rocks for fear of another fall from the sky. He threw away his moon boots because the soles raised his head into the heavens. He even sold his Chevy Blazer for a Pontiac Sunbird to avoid such a high fall in case he exited the vehicle poorly.

But Matt is a fighter. He slowly tried to overcome this fear with different challenges. First a step ladder. Next, he successfully sat on the tailgate of a small framed truck. He even got to the point where his barber could pump up the chair a bit. But soon Matt will face his greatest challenge ever.

Easterseals of Michigan is an organization Matt has supported for years. They help individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives. Close to Matt’s heart are the mental health services Easter Seals of Michigan provides to Veterans and their families. On average over 20 Veterans die by suicide each day. Matt and EOTECH are dedicated to raising money to support the Veterans who served our great country in any way we can.

On September 18, 2021 Easterseals Michigan is hosting their 5th Annual Over the Edge Fundraiser in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is an amazing rappelling event where Matt and other participants will face their fears for a great cause. They will take the plunge down the 18 story Bridgewater Place building which is one of Grand Rapids tallest buildings. Matt, and others, will raise a fundraising minimum of $1,000 to support ESM and their efforts.

“Easterseals of Michigan has been helping Michigan individuals and families for over 100 years. They do great things and we at EOTECH are very proud to contribute to their efforts.” Said Lisa Kemp, Brand Manager. “In addition to Matt’s fundraising efforts, EOTECH has sponsored the target landing spot where all of the rappellers probably can’t wait to touch down. “

For more information about Easterseals of Michigan and to support the Over the Edge Fundraiser, please visit:

https://www.easterseals.com/michigan/our-programs/

https://eastersealsmi.cheerfulgiving.com/c/matt-van-haaren-is-going-over-the-edge