2023 Grit, Gratitude and You

First Tee - Cleveland's 12th annual "Grit, Gratitude & You" is set for Wednesday, November 8 at Windows on the River from 7:30-9:00 AM. Please join us for breakfast and a celebration of our positive impact on local kids and teens.  

We're pleased to honor Marc Stefanski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland, with the 2023 Del de Windt Leadership Award for Civic Engagement.

Marc directed the creation of the Third Federal Foundation from the company's IPO, which has now donated almost $60 million to the communities Third Federal serves, supporting education, housing, and other community development initiatives. The Foundation has made significant investments in the Slavic Village neighborhood, solidifying the organization's role as a community anchor. His personal philanthropy focuses on the communities and institutions that have impacted his life and the lives of his family. In 2015, Marc and his children founded Rhonda's Kiss, a charity named to honor his late wife, Rhonda. The charity awards grants to hospitals who, in turn, offer financial aid to cancer patients in need. Rhonda's Kiss has donated more than $2.2 million to hospitals, including Cleveland Clinic. 

First Tee - Cleveland is celebrating 20 years of providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. 

Grit, Gratitude & You will also feature: a tribute to Andre Thornton, an interactive panel discussion and the Doris A. Evans, M.D. Merit Scholarship presentation to Vinh Lai, a junior at St. Edward High School. Participant fees contribute only 7% of the annual revenue necessary to deliver our impactful programs. Please help us reach more kids in need of social, emotional and physical support.