(Madera, California) – Panda Express, the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States, raised $623,334 in 2018 to help the Child Life program at Valley Children’s Hospital.
Representatives from Valley Panda Express restaurants visited Valley Children’s Hospital Wednesday, Feb. 13 for a check presentation. They also met with Child Life specialists.
“Every time a Panda Express associate rings the bell, we know more smiles and miracles are made here at Valley Children’s,” said Rob Saroyan, president of Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation. “Funds raised through Panda Express’ efforts support our Child Life Program which helps children and their families reduce the effects of stress caused by illness, injury and hospitalization. We are so thankful for our growing partnership with Panda through the years.”
Panda Express has a year-round program that encourages guests to join in supporting the health and education needs of underserved youth.
Panda Express guests and associates at more than 2,100 locations raised $21.5 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) last year, bringing the total contribution to 131 network hospitals to more than $59 million since 2007. Thirty-two Panda locations in the Central Valley have raised more than $1.8 million for Valley Children’s since 2009.
“We are so grateful for the amazing support Panda Express customers and associates extend to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals each year,” said John Lauck, CMNH president and CEO. “We are in awe of Panda’s level of commitment to supporting children’s hospitals and the miracle children in their communities. It’s partners like them that allow us to provide more hope to kids and valuable resources to our hospitals.”
The 2018 donation from Panda Express makes the company the fastest growing CMNH partner – both in percentage of increase and dollar increase in giving year over year.
To learn more about Panda Restaurant Group and Panda Cares, visit www.pandarg.com/panda-cares.