My Causes

"Philanthropy, to me, isn’t a line item. It’s what happens when you use your skills where they matter most."

Community isn’t something Rich Haberle participates in. It’s something he helps build. Over the years, his charitable work has touched children without lunch money, horses stranded in hurricanes, families learning to grieve, adults fighting mental illness, cancer survivors, and seniors spending the holidays alone. He shows up in person, stays for the hard part, and finds a way to bring others along with him.

Below are the pillars of Rich’s philanthropic work — not a comprehensive list, but a reflection of where his heart consistently lands.

“He is selfless in his efforts to lift up others, extreme in his dedication to his community, and passionate about bringing kindness to those around him.”

– Nina Nordgren, MD, Ophthalmologist/Anterior Segment Eye Surgeon

Wiping Out School Lunch Debts

When news reports surfaced of children being denied hot lunches over unpaid school debt, Rich didn’t just share the story. He called a former classmate, Tanesha Willis, and they launched a two-month fundraising campaign. The result: the entire outstanding lunch debt for 51 students at the school they attended three decades earlier was fully satisfied, with a surplus fund left behind for the incoming class.

Polishing Off Child Abuse

For National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Rich threw himself behind the “Polish Off Child Abuse” campaign, painting his index fingernail blue in solidarity with survivors. He didn’t stop there — he personally recruited both Lee County Dependency Court judges and their staff to participate, posting photos directly from the bench. Awareness isn’t just a social media act. It’s relational. He proved it.

Goodwill Ambassador

Appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Valerie’s House through the Lee County Bar Association Foundation, Rich represents an organization that helps children and families navigate the loss of a loved one together. He has championed cross-generational initiatives, including a program connecting Valerie’s House children with seniors at Calusa Harbor Retirement Center during the holiday season — making sure no one, young or old, spends Christmas feeling invisible.

Easter Baskets for Golisano Children’s Hospital

Rich handcrafted 100 Easter baskets for children hospitalized at Golisano Children’s Hospital. What began as a solo act of generosity caught fire within the legal community. By delivery day, an estimated 300 baskets had been anonymously delivered to patients — proof that one person starting something can turn a gesture into a movement.

“He is one of the most caring and giving individuals I have ever met—always first in line to help with our fundraising efforts and hands‑on projects.”

– Tina Garrett, President, Southwest Florida Horse Rescue

Southwest Florida Horse Rescue

The organization rescues and rehabilitates large animals that local humane societies and shelters are not equipped to serve. Rich brings the same strategic energy to fundraising for horses that he brings to litigation support — methodical, relational, and results-driven.

Hurricane Disaster Relief

When Hurricane Ian shredded the fences, tore roofs from barns, and left livestock stranded at a local horse rescue, Rich didn’t wait for the water to recede. He waded in. Alongside a small crew, he physically pulled sheets of tin roofing from flooded pastures — removing hazards that could have fatally injured horses moving through water they couldn’t see into. It wasn’t glamorous. It was necessary. He showed up.

Senior Paws Pet Sanctuary

Rich has been actively fundraising and community service volunteers for Senior Paws Pet Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to rescuing senior dogs and cats who have been displaced in their golden years. These are the animals least likely to be adopted and most often overlooked. Rich advocates loudly for them anyway. Picutred is Rich and one of his most beloved rescues from Senior Paws Pet Sanctuary, Bambino.

“Few people have united a community and inspired so many people to engage in selfless acts of good deeds as Rich has… he restores my faith in humanity and inspires me to be a better, kinder person each and every day.”

– Luis E. Insignares, Esq., Board Certified in Marital and Family Law

LCBA Downtown Dash

Rich has volunteered at the Lee County Bar Association’s annual Downtown Dash event, a 5K run organized by the LCBA’s Health and Wellness Committee to address the growing mental and physical health crisis within the legal profession. His presence at the registration desk is consistent with his broader approach: be useful, show up early, and make the event run.

Hope Clubhouse

Hope Clubhouse is a community-based mental health organization providing meaningful support and programming for adults living with mental illness in Southwest Florida. Rich has been a consistent fundraising presence for the Clubhouse as well as a volunteer.

Zonta International

Rich joined Dr. Laura Streyffeler and Judge Mary Evans at Zonta International’s International Women’s Day event — a gathering of local professionals delivering lectures designed to inspire women to overcome hardship and step into leadership. His presence was not ceremonial. It was intentional: men who show up in support of women’s spaces amplify the message.

Bill Bottino Mud Run

In honor of his late uncle, Rich assembled family members from across the country under the team name “Polk High” to compete in the annual Bill Bottino Mud Run benefiting the Barbara Cook Cancer Foundation in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Over eight years, the Foundation raised more than $750,000 for cancer research. Rich’s participation that year helped push the cumulative total past that milestone. He ran covered in mud, surrounded by family, for something that mattered.

20th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee "C"

Committee Member (Past)

FRP Eligibility & Compliance Committee

Committee Member (Past)

Paralegal Section

Section Chair (Past)

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