Manteca’s Robin Taberna has been named a Maytag Dependable Leader Award winner for his demonstrated dedication to keeping youth on the path to achieve great futures.

The award recognizes Boys & Girls Club volunteers and officials who are committed to making a difference as dependable and exceptional role models.

Through a national partnership, Maytag brand and Boys & Girls Clubs of America selected Taberna as one of 11 winners nationwide to receive this year’s distinction, which includes a $20,000 financial grant for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manteca and Lathrop. Specifically, the club will use the grant to award four $500 scholarships per year for 10 years to qualified club members attending either college or technical school. Taberna was nominated for the award by Jeanie Miller, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manteca and Lathrop.

For more than three decades, Taberna has voluntarily dedicated his time to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manteca and Lathrop teaching karate for free. During each class, Taberna also instills valuable lessons on ethics, character development and sportsmanship within each of his students. Taberna’s classes are tailored for all ages, and he has taught an estimated 5,000 Club members since 1982.

“Master Taberna has led outstanding efforts at our Clubs that have resulted in remarkable growth for our kids,” said Miller. “Not only is Robin a phenomenal karate instructor, he also has committed himself to mentoring youth without expecting anything in return.”

In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Manteca and Lathrop, Taberna started a martial arts tournament circuit to educate the local community on the importance of sportsmanship over winning and teamwork. The circuit continues to provide funding for the Club and other area non-profit organizations.

Furthermore, Taberna has inspired thousands of kids over the course of his 33 years at the club. At 7 years old, one club member approached Taberna bright-eyed but lacking focus. Taberna worked tirelessly with him to instill a sense of discipline and strong work ethic. The young boy later went on to graduate college with a degree in physics from the University of California, Davis and earned a fourth degree black belt, one of the highest level black belt levels; crediting his achievements to the mentorship he received from Taberna.

“I could go on for days about the endless contributions Master Taberna puts forth for our Clubs each and every day,” continued Miller. “He is truly an inspiration to our club members and the kids in our community.”

“The Maytag Dependable Leader Award allows Maytag brand to give back to Boys & Girls Club professionals and volunteers across the country who give tirelessly to their local communities,” said Laura Somers, brand manager, Maytag. “It is our honor to recognize Robin Taberna for his exemplary efforts and support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manteca and Lathrop.”

With a heritage of dependability dating back more than 100 years, the Maytag brand mission is to build high-performing and dependable products. Boys & Girls Clubs dependably serve youth, enabling them to reach their full potential as high-performing adults. The partnership between Maytag and BGCA seeks to recognize and promote dependability – a quality that is at the core of what the Clubs do every day and is central to Maytag brand. Through its partnership with BGCA, Maytag has donated more than $3.5 million o local Clubs in the last three years.