news-maytag-bgca2016Boys & Girls Clubs of America has been a long-standing symbol of dependability for Cuba Gooding Jr. His local Boys & Girls Club and its mentors were an important part of Cuba’s youth and a place he counted on and attended regularly. Yesterday, Cuba visited with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles/Watts Willowbrook to talk about the importance of adult role models as a part of the Maytag Dependable Leader Award program. The Award is part of a long-standing relationship between Maytag and Boys & Girls Club of America, which has been honoring executives, staff members and volunteers for going above and beyond for America’s youth for the past six years.

Last month, Maytag teamed up with YouTube sensation Robby Novak, aka Kid President, to create a video to help drive nominations for the Maytag Dependable Leader Awards. Using Kid President’s Guide to Adulting as inspiration, Cuba spent the day with the Club discussing what they believe makes a leader dependable. Winners of this year’s Maytag Dependable Leader Award will be announced on August 29.

“Boys & Girls Club of America have so many great alumni, and we’re excited that Cuba Gooding Jr. was able to share his story and inspire others to nominate their mentors for the Maytag Dependable Leader Award,” said Brendan Bosch, Maytag senior brand manager. “Having been a Club member in his youth, Cuba really understands the importance of a dependable leader in the lives of kids and teens and we’re thrilled to have him be a part of this program.”

“Boys & Girls Club of America is an organization that has been very close to my heart for many years,” said Cuba Gooding Jr. “As an active youth at the Boys & Girls Club in Tustin, California, the leaders and volunteers that I came into contact with helped mold me into who I am today.”

To view and download full photos from the event, click here .

Recipients of the award will receive this honorable distinction along with a $20,000 financial award to support their local club’s efforts to be a safe, dependable place that enable young people to achieve great futures. To learn more about the Maytag Dependable Leader Award, visit BGCA.org/Maytag.

About Maytag Brand
For more than a century, Maytag® appliances have been synonymous with dependability and durability. For over 100 years- Maytag has an enduring tradition of quality production and powerful performance. Durable, commercial-grade components are found in many Maytag® appliances – including Maytag® front-load and top-load washers and dryers. Maytag also offers a full range of kitchen appliances – Maytag® dishwashers with the PowerBlast® cycle, Maytag® refrigerators with the Powercold® option, as well as Maytag® ranges, cooktops and ovens with Power™ burner and Power™ element options. In January 2014, Maytag introduced America to the Maytag Man – a dependable machine and the human embodiment of the durability, reliability and power inside all Maytag® appliances. In addition to creating durable appliances, Maytag also is a dependable partner to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in their effort to support communities across America and help young people achieve great futures.  For more information about Maytag, please visit Maytag.com, or find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Maytag, Twitter at @TheMaytagMan, Instagram at instagram.com/Maytag or Pinterest at pinterest.com/Maytag.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,200 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at BGCA’s Facebook and Twitter.

August 17, 2016