CLEVELAND — Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and his wife Michelle are finding new ways to give back to the community, announcing the launch of The Keepers Foundation to help underprivileged children in Northeast Ohio.
The couple stopped by WKYC Studios Tuesday to talk with "Voice of the Browns" and 3News sports anchor Jim Donovan about the organization. Their Catholic faith was a major source of inspiration, something Kevin Stefanski mentioned just with the name itself.
"It starts with the Bible ... and being a 'Brother's Keeper,' and for us, that mean's looking out for other people," he told Jim. "We want to be out there in the community looking out for those that need us to look out for them."
The couple's own three kids also played a role, as did the Browns' history of giving back to people in the area over the years.
"We saw how volunteer work was done throughout the organization and how much they encouraged not only just the players to get involved but the staff, the coaching staff, anyone really who works for the Browns, and even your children," Michelle said. "We come from families and beliefs that have taught us the importance of giving back and helping others, and so it's really meant a lot to see that in action."
Watch the full interview with Kevin and Michelle Stefanski in the player below:
The Keepers Foundation plans to hold two events this summer, starting with "Under the Lights with Coach Stefanski & Friends" on June 6. That evening, kids from fourth to eighth grade will get a chance to participate in a special flag football game at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
"How about the buzz in the stadium when we have a night game?" Stefanski mentioned of his own experiences. "And our players feed off that, so I'm just excited that those young boys and those young girls can be on the field playing flag football under the lights just like their heroes do."
The second event, "Night Out by the Lake with Coach Stefanski & Friends," will take place one week later on June 13 from Lago East Bank in the Flats. There will be food, drinks, an auction for the charity, and even "celebrity guests."
"It's going to be a fun, unique event," Kevin said. "It's so unique that Jimmy Donovan's going to be there."
Though the Stefanskis are currently focused on the foundation, the NFL is also right around the corner. Earlier this week, we learned the Browns will open things up at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8, and the head coach knows the Dawg Pound will be revved and ready for action.
"Last season, we had a home opener vs. the Bengals ... and that place — even though it was a rainy, weird weather day — it was an electric building," he recalled. "You feel that buzz, you hear that buzz driving in the stadium, being in there, so I'm very, very excited to open up in front of our fans."
And Michelle is ready for the grind of the season, too.
"When we're in season, we're very much focused on what that looks like and what 'dad hours' look like," she said. "When he's home, he's very present, so I feel like it's just a matter of taking those moments and really honing in on those moments when he is around."
To purchase tickets for either event hosted by The Keepers Foundation next month, click here.