Meet Dani

Dani Richter, Director of Philanthropy at the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, has been helping Floridians make an impact for the past five years. A Tampa Bay native, Dani grew up fishing its waters and developed a lifelong love for Florida’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. She now combines her expertise in philanthropy with her passion for conservation and is excited to answer your questions. Contact her at [email protected].

February 2025

Dear Dani,

Valentine’s Day always gets me thinking about love. Not just for people, but for the places that have shaped my life. I grew up fishing, hiking, and watching wildlife here in Florida, and those memories mean everything to me. How do I make sure the things I love most are still protected long after I’m gone?

— Wild at Heart, Vero Beach, FL

Dear Wild at Heart,

This is one of my favorite kinds of questions, especially this time of year. Valentine’s Day is all about love, and the love you’re describing runs deep. Loving Florida means loving its wildlife, its waters, and the wild places that make this state feel like home.

Many people do not realize that protecting what they love does not have to happen only during their lifetime. One simple way to do this is by including a conservation organization like the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida in your future plans. This can be as easy as naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy.

There is no pressure, no complicated paperwork, and no impact on your finances today. It is a quiet, powerful way to say, “This mattered to me.”

These kinds of future gifts help ensure that manatees still have safe waters, that habitats are restored, and that future generations of Floridians can experience the same sense of wonder you did. And just as importantly, they are flexible. You can change them at any time as life changes.

Flowers fade and chocolates disappear, but love like this lasts. Choosing to protect what you love most is one of the most meaningful Valentine’s Day gestures you can make.

If you would like to talk through your options or simply learn more, I would be happy to help.

All the best,
Dani
Director of Philanthropy
Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida