NORTH FORT MYERS, FL.

in the aftermath of last week's storm, while people are slowly returning to the devistation caused by the hurricaine, they are shocked that some remained sheltered in place.  Businesses like horse rescues and boarding stables faced the hard call on whether to obey evacuation orders or stand "with the herd".   The hurricaine ripped apart SW Florida and spared no one, even horse rescues where fences were shredded, roofs thrown from barns and lifestock left in peril.

Pictured are Rich Haberle and Jordan Ramon, two young men who are helping  one local horse rescue as they try to repair fences and as seen here, retrieve sheets of tin roofs from pastures underwater, preventing untold injuries to unsuspecting horses. 

FORT MYERS, FL. 

The Children who find themselves patients of Gollisano Children's hospital can rest assured that the Easter Bunny will certainly find them.  Rich Haberle on behalf of the #KindLee movement of the Lee County Bar Association Foundation started the movement by crafting 100 easter baskets for the children.  When his collegues caught on, they began crafting thier own baskets to donate.  Overall, it is estimated that some 300 easter baskets will be anonomously delivered to the children this Easter.

SOUTH FORT MYERS, FL. 

To kick off International Women's Day, Zonta International held lectures by local professionals aimed to inspire women to overcome whatever hardships they've endured and to engage the world and leadership roles.

One speaker, Dr. Laura Streyfeller, brought some familiar faces to the event, namely Rich Haberle and Judge Mary Evans.  The event was a wild success and a great tribute to the great things that come from empowering women. 

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS, FL. 

The Children's Network of Southwest Florida in partnership with Embrace Families, has kicked off National Child Abuse Prevention Month with a new campaign challenging participants to "polish off child abuse" and show support by paining your index finger nail blue.  Rich Haberle, has really embraced the movement and has posted several photo campaigns in support of the mission.  Haberle went so far as to get both of the Dependency Court Judges and thier staff memebers to join in the fun and posted a number of photos from the bench. 

FORT MYERS, FL.

The Legal community comes out in full force to help with fundraising efforts for Hope Clubhouse.

HOPE Clubhouse is a local community-based solution to a global problem.  There is simply not enough resources today for everyone with a mental illness who needs help. It’s a crisis situation and the numbers are growing. HOPE Clubhouse powerfully demonstrates that people with mental illnesses can, and do, lead productive happy lives. 

FORT MYERS, FL.

To honor the judiciary and thank them for their ongoing service and commitment to justice, the Lee County Bar Association (LCBA) is hosting its 32nd Annual Bench Bar Gala .

The Gala is the annual hotspot for the legal community wherein Judges and attorneys mix for an evening to honor the distinguished service that the judiciary does.  Pictured is Rich Habere who attended with Judge Mary Evans from the Charlotte County CIrcuit Court. 

NORTH  FORT MYERS, FL.

Fresh off of the board, Rich Haberle isn't going anywhere when it comes to SWFL Horse Rescue.  One of Haberle's favorite organizations, he has just signed on for a fourth year as the fundraising chair for the beleoved organization which works on behalf of large animals which local humane societys and shelters are not equipped to handle. 

DOWNTOWN  FORT MYERS, FL.

The Lee County Bar Association Foundation, the charitable arm of the Lee County Bar Association has appointed Rich Haberle as the Goodwill Ambassador of Valerie's House, a local organization which  helps children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives.

One project that Haberle hinted to was a joint venture where children from Valerie's House would symbolically adopt a senior from Calusa Harbor Retirement Center in time for Christmas.

FORT MYERS, FL

Rich Haberle once again stepping up and volunteering at the registration desk for the Lee County Bar Association's annual Downtown Dash Event.  

The event is the brainchild of the LCBA’s new Health and Wellness Committee. 

“The legal profession is struggling with physical and mental-health issues among its practitioners, and it’s a priority of the state Bar to promote health and wellness of its members,” John Miller, co-chair of the committee. . “John Webb has made it a priority this year, as president of the LCBA, to promote health and wellness.” 

MILLVILLE, NJ.  

Hundreds of spectators and muddy participants crowded the Cumberland County Fairgrounds on Saturday for the 8th annual Bill Bottino Mud Run presented by the Barbara Cook Cancer Foundation.

Haberle, who joined family members from across the country to form team "Polk High", a tribute to his late uncle, was proud to participate in the mud run.  

In seven years, The Barbara Cook Cancer Foundation donated more than $600,000 to the cause. This year’s run will increase that total to more than $750,000. 

FORT MYERS, FL. 

Mr. Haberle was awarded the prestigious Meritorious Public Service award from The Florida Bar following his work on the Twentieth Judicial Circuit's Grievance Committee "C".   

"Through selfless contributions of time and talent, the citizens of Florida may continue to be assured of a high degree of accountability, legal competence and ethical conduct in those who would serve them in the practice of law"

FORT MYERS, FL.

AN EVENING OF SILVER AND GOLD to benefit the LGBT Fund of Southwest Florida, a fund of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.  

The LGBT Community Fund of Southwest Florida is a giving circle that supports emerging needs in the LGBT community in Southwest Florida.  The fund engages like-minded individuals and organizations to increase philanthropic support for the unique challenges and opportunities facing Southwest Florida’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community.   

FORT MYERS, FL.

Law Day celebrates the importance of the U.S. legal system and judicial branch. It was originally proposed by ABA President Charles Rhyne, and officially established in 1958 by President Eisenhower’s proclamation.

Lee County Bar Association has kicked it up a notch to include Law Week, a week where it's members are encouraged to participate in various pro bono acts of kindness and which ends in a reception to honor the local judiciary.  Pictured is Rich Haberle and Judge Carolyn Swift .

FORT MYERS, FL.

The Lee County Bar Association together with Fort Myers Court Reporting partnered with Hope Clubhouse to fund raise through innovative "Cooking with Carey" classes held at the Clubhouse.

Joined by the Public Defender, the executive director the the Lee County Bar Association and some of the biggest names in Lee County law, the joint venture was a smashing hit.  Proceeds of the event will go towards making sure that Hope Clubhouse continues with it's mission to continue providing opportunities for adults living with mental illness in Southwest Florida. 

FORT MYERS, FL.

Thinking of adding a furry friend to your household this Christmas?  One local man thinks you should hear him out before taking home that puppy!

Rich Haberle and his mom, Sue, have been working around the clock to bring awareness of the existence of Senior Paws Pet Sanctuary, which does much like it's name suggests - helps to save senior aged dogs and cats who have been displaced in thier golden years.  Haberle serves as a fundraising and community servie volunteer for the organization which he describes as doing "the absolute most" for these often overlooked pets.