Third Federal Announces New Associate Assistance Fund; Celebrates its Value of Love

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Third Federal TFSL announces today a new benefit for its associates and their immediate families, designed to assist in times of crisis. The new Rhonda's Kiss Associate Fund, named for CEO Marc A. Stefanski's late wife, will provide a pipeline of support when unexpected hardship occurs.

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"I know that many of our associates are caregivers for their family. When unexpected events occur, it can cause even more stress and a feeling of helplessness. With the Rhonda's Kiss Associate Fund, we hope to ease some of the burden they may face," said Chairman and CEO Marc A. Stefanski. "Launching this program on Valentine's Day is even more special because one of our Third Federal values is love (concern for one another) and as a Third Federal family, genuine concern for others is never in short supply."

The fund is available to all active Third Federal associates. They can apply for assistance up to $5,000 for a qualifying event, which may include: a medical diagnosis, fire, military deployment, or natural disaster.

The Rhonda's Kiss Associate Fund is a natural extension of Rhonda's Kiss, a national charity created by Stefanski when his wife of 33 years, Rhonda, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2014.

The Rhonda's Kiss Charity supports cancer patients in need nationally. Through partnerships with the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland and Florida, and City of Hope and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, the charity has donated $750,000 to support the non-medical needs of cancer patients.

Through the Rhonda's Kiss Associate Fund at Third Federal, Stefanski wanted to do something more for his associates. Stefanski understood firsthand how devastating the loss of his wife and mother of his five children was to their immediate family, and the Third Federal family as well.

"At Third Federal, we take care of each other, support each other in times of need, and look out for each other – just like family. When I lost Rhonda in 2014, there was a strong sense of community I felt through an outpouring of support from my Third Federal family. Notes, emails, hugs and phone calls helped to ease some of the pain my children and I have dealt with since her passing," Stefanski said.

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 will celebrate its 79^th anniversary in May, 2017. 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 December 31, 2016, the Company's assets totaled $13.2 billion.

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