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].

September 2026

Dear Dani,

September always feels like a fresh start. Kids are back in school, summer vacations are winding down, and everyone seems to be getting back into a routine. It has me thinking about a few things I’ve been putting off, including my will. I made one several years ago, and nothing major has changed. Do I really need to review it again?

—Back on Track
Gainesville, Florida

Dear Back on Track,

There’s something about back-to-school season that makes all of us want to get a little more organized, even those of us whose school days are well behind us.

And your estate plan deserves a spot on that September checklist.

Having a will is a great start, but it shouldn’t necessarily be a “write it and forget it” document. Life has a way of changing gradually. Children grow up. Grandchildren arrive. Relationships change. You buy or sell property. Your finances shift. And sometimes the causes that matter most to you become an even bigger part of your life.

That’s why it’s worth pulling out your estate plan every few years and asking a few simple questions: Does this still reflect my wishes? Are the right people listed? Are my beneficiary designations up to date? Does my plan reflect the people and causes I care about today?

If protecting wild Florida has become part of the legacy you’d like to leave, this is also a good opportunity to consider including the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida in your plans. A gift through your will or another beneficiary designation can be a simple way to support Florida’s wildlife and wild places for generations to come.

Think of it as a back-to-school assignment for grown-ups. There’s no pop quiz, and finishing it can bring some real peace of mind.

If you’d like to talk about ways to include the Foundation in your plans, I’m always happy to help.

Warmly,
Dani
Director of Philanthropy
Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida