| After 27 years, and three little brothers, Richard Haack has made giving back a way of life. He started volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County during his final years of law school and continues to volunteer today, while maintaining a successful legal practice.
His first Little Brother, Dannan, remembers that even though Richard was a struggling college student, he made their time a priority and put $20 out of his paycheck aside to fund some of the activities they shared. Dannan said, “Richard is patient, an educator, and he introduced me to many new things such as golf. Richard was a stable factor and a relief in my otherwise chaotic life. I could always count on him to be in my corner.”
Dannan added that Richard was a wonderful motivator and taught him the importance of education. In fact, Richard helped Dannan get into college at UC Davis by assisting him with the application process and driving him to the campus for the start of school. Dannan graduated from UC Davis in 1992 and he gives Richard much of the credit for this accomplishment.
Dannan now lives in Sacramento and he is happily married with two young girls. Looking back over the 27 years, they have shared many memories. Remarkably, they were in each other’s weddings; Dannan was Richard’s Ring Bearer and later Richard was Dannan’s best man.
Richard’s second Little Brother Jonathan, now 23 years old, said, “Richard encouraged me when no one else would and I could always count on Richard to provide consistency and stability during the difficulties of life.” Jonathan is now performing in the theater and is an aspiring actor.
In June of 2004, Richard was matched with his third Little Brother, Lavell, who keeps Richard on his toes with a never-ending stream of questions. Lavell, nicknamed “Socrates” by Richard, likes to play “Can I stump my Big Brother?” Lavell asked Richard how he knows so much and Richard answered lightheartedly, “Because I know almost everything.” After a great deal of testing that statement, Richard is thankful he said, “Almost!”
According to Lavell’s grandmother, Diane, Richard has already made a wonderful contribution to her grandson’s life by giving him a male role model to turn to as he matures into a man.
Richard has positively impacted three young lives and has immeasurably contributed to the strength of tomorrow’s leaders.
Want to bring a little magic into someone's life? Volunteer now >>
|
