CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Third Federal Savings and Loan Chairman and CEO Marc A. Stefanski received the 2017 Theodore J. Horvath Award from Rainey Institute in recognition of his dedication and commitment to Cleveland’s youth and families.
The award was presented May 4, 2017, at Rainey’s annual benefit dinner, Glissando, at Cleveland’s Ariel International Center.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” Stefanski said. “This recognition is a testament to the talented, dedicated associates who help to make our work in the community so meaningful. I also salute Rainey Institute, whose mission to change lives through the power of arts education is making a difference every day.”
Under Stefanski’s leadership, Third Federal and its foundation have contributed time to reading and tutoring programs, and have provided financial support to school programs and community projects. This support includes a $5 million grant to establish a community health education center focused on addressing health disparities and delivering quality health care and outreach to Cleveland neighborhoods. It also includes multi-million dollar grants to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and community partners in the Broadway P-16 Program to establish in-school and out of schools programs to improve literacy, health, safety and family stability in the Broadway/Slavic Village neighborhood; and for the Community Service Scholarship Award at Cleveland Central Catholic High School.
Stefanski and his five children also started “Rhonda’s Kiss,” a foundation in memory of his late wife Rhonda, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2014. “Rhonda’s Kiss” raises money to increase cancer screenings in urban communities and to provide a safety net to those who struggle financially to continue their treatment.
Third Federal Savings and Loan Association is a leading provider of savings and mortgage products, and operates under the values of love, trust, respect, a commitment to excellence and fun. Founded in Cleveland in 1938 as a mutual association by Ben and Gerome Stefanski, Third Federal’s mission is to help people achieve the dream of home ownership and financial security. It became part of a public company in 2007 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in May, 2013. Third Federal, which lends in 21 states and the District of Columbia, is dedicated to serving consumers with competitive rates and outstanding service. Third Federal, an equal housing lender, has 21 full service branches in Northeast Ohio, eight lending offices in Central and Southern Ohio, and 17 full service branches throughout Florida. As of March 31, 2017, the Company’s assets totaled $13.4 billion. For more information, visit thirdfederal.com.
Rainey Institute is dedicated to positive growth for Cleveland’s youth through education and participation in the performing and visual arts. Rainey offers programs in music, dance, drama, and visual arts to children of all ages through an afterschool program, group classes and private lessons, performing groups, preschool programs, a teen leadership group, and a summer camp. Founded in 1904 as a settlement house providing social services to immigrants in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood, Rainey has remained an anchor in this community for more than a century. Rainey serves around 2,000 children annually, keeping children engaged in positive, enriching arts activities and away from gangs, drugs, crime, teenage pregnancy and other urban challenges. For more information, visit www.raineyinstitute.org.
