Panda Cares Celebrates 20 Years of Inspiring Better Lives with Donation Commitment to CMN Hospitals
Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, will mark 20 years of inspiring better lives on August 8. As part of their anniversary celebration, Panda has committing over $25 million to fund new Panda Cares Centers of Hope with Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals.
As a long-time corporate partner of CMN Hospitals, Panda Cares has raised and donated over $59 million to support 134 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals over the years.
Over the past 20 years, Panda Cares has empowered underserved children to learn, lead and thrive for better lives. Panda Cares has donated $140 million to health and education organizations since 1999, powered by the funds raised by Panda guests and associates every day.
“It is a distinct honor and privilege to serve our communities and to ignite the spirit of giving across the country. At Panda Cares, we believe good fortune is best shared and remain humbled by the generosity of so many,” said Dr. Peggy Cherng, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group. “To us, celebrating Panda Cares’ 20th anniversary is about celebrating the communities we serve and recognizing our passionate guests, associates and brand partners who have joined us in our unwavering commitment to enhance the lives of underserved youth. Our latest initiatives further the collective impact we can make to inspire a brighter future through health and education, creating powerful learning pathways and focused care for the holistic well-being of kids nationwide.”
Panda Cares announced its vision to provide continued support to children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada, bringing hope for better lives because every child deserves the opportunity to grow up, to be happy and healthy. Twice honored as CMN Hospitals’ Corporate Partner of the Year, Panda Cares is committed to donating over $25 million to fund spaces in hospitals dedicated to giving children and their families the support they need to heal together. The new Panda Cares Centers of Hope will offer programs that improve children’s social/emotional, spiritual, physical and mental well-being.
Panda Cares Centers of Hope are designed to create a safe and comforting place where kids can be kids again, serving as a play area where children learn through play to improve self-expression, decrease stress and boost motor skills. Specially curated programs will include therapeutic play, art therapy, meditation and counseling services, among others. In 2019, Panda Cares and CMN Hospitals will debut six Centers of Hope across the United States.
Panda Cares is funded through the in-store donation box program and associates at Panda Express, Panda Inn, and Hibachi-San as well as other Panda Restaurant Group partners and founders. The foundation provides food, funding and volunteer services to underserved youth, and disaster relief efforts.