Robert "Bobby" Yarborough makes good on a long-standing company policy to help people and keep employees involved in the "flavor" of his family's business.

"I hope Im not even halfway done", Yarborough said of his efforts to both serve the community and grow his company, Manda Fine Meats.

On Tuesday night, Yarborough was honored by about 500 people at the Holiday Inn Select during a banquet for the 64th annual Golden Deeds Award, presented by the Inter-Civic Council and The Advocate.

"I feel joyous, extremely appreciative and humbled", Yarborough said.

"I am one lucky man, honored to be a recipient of Golden Deeds", he said while naming people who have shared his success.

David Manship, whose family owns The Advocate, said Yarborough's active participation has made Baton Rouge "a better place for all of us to live".

"Bobby is just a regular man. He's just one of us, and that's the kind of person the Golden Deeds likes to represent", Manship said in presenting the award.

Yarborough, whose early encounter with the family business began at age 15 when he cleaned up the docks, is Mandas chief executive officer.

He and his brothers, Tommy and Steve, run the business, which Yarborough dubs the "American dream".

What makes Yarborough unique is his compassion, his volunteer efforts, and his love of people, friends and family said.

Yarborough gives credit for his company's success to his employees. "Our employees literally make the flavor of Manda. I have to recognize them right up front", he said.

Yarborough also credits his wife, Marsha, with his success. "She's very supportive and active in everything I do. She's a bright lady and has a lot of wisdom and a level head", he said.

The couple has two children, Josh, 26, a businessman; and Melissa, 22, a University of Pennsylvania student.

Yarborough also serves on numerous boards, including the YMCA, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Southwest Meat Association, the Louisiana Meat Processing Association, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge and the Academic Distinction Fund.

ADF Executive Director Jan Melton described Yarborough as enthusiastic and positive. "He's truly unique. We need 100 more Bobby Yarboroughs and our city and parish would be where it needs to be."

"He is a stellar board member. He believes in the mission and is passionate about it and works tirelessly to make our mission come true for the kids of our community", said Pat VanBurkleo, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club.

"The common thread is these are all things that benefit people", Yarborough said.

Manda has donated it's products to charitable causes, schools and colleges, including LSU and Southern.

The company employs 250 people at its Baton Rouge, Baker and Amite plants. Yarborough said Manda produces about 600,000 pounds of meat a week and it is sold in about 25 states. Its core market is in Louisiana and in the Gulf Coast area, where it donated hundreds of pounds of sausage to feed evacuees after Hurricane Katrina.

"They are a wonderful family to work for, and they are really considerate and generous and giving", Pat Minor, Yarboroughs secretary, said.

"Bobby is very spiritual and very thoughtful and always taking other peoples feelings into consideration. Everybody can go to him for whatever reason", she said.

Manda offers its employees adult education on-site and on company time through Literacy Work.

"For the ones who have done it, it's a great transformation. Some wanted to take the classes to freshen up with math and to help their children with homework", Yarborough said.