photo courtesy of CHLA

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has announced that Panda Express, through its philanthropic foundation Panda Cares, has pledged $20 million to establish the Panda Cares Center of Hope, which will support hospital programs and services that provide compassionate and healing care for patients and their families.

“Panda Express is one of our largest and most benevolent corporate partners, and we are so grateful for their ongoing support and devotion to help us fulfill our mission to create hope and build healthier futures for children,” CHLA President and CEO Paul S. Viviano said. “These are challenging times for many of the patient families we serve, and thanks to this significant commitment, we will be able to continue to provide programs and services that are more vital now than ever.”

“We are proud to bring the vision of the Panda Cares Center of Hope to life at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and are humbled to be able to be part of the healing journey for the families and kids,” added Peggy Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group. “Children are our future. We hope that through our partnership with CHLA and other Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, and this curriculum designed to give children the strength to thrive, we will bring smiles and hope to communities nationwide.”

The Panda Cares Center of Hope is a nationwide initiative launched this year in partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network. It focuses on four key pillars of pediatric health programs and services – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Some of the many programs and services CHLA provides to patients and their families that will be supported by the Center of Hope include music and art therapy, the Literally Healing reading program, palliative care, grief and bereavement support, and social services.

“Panda Cares’ mission to serve the patient and the family aligns perfectly with CHLA’s approach to compassionate family-centered care,” CHLA Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Alexandra Carter said. “Their tireless dedication to the health and well-being of children complements the world-class medical care we provide to our pediatric patients.”

Since 2003, Panda Restaurant Group has raised more than $17 million for CHLA. For five consecutive years, the company has been the top fundraiser for CHLA’s annual Make March Matter campaign.

Panda Cares is funded through the in-store donation box program and associates at Panda Express, Panda In and Hibachi-San, as well as PRG partners and founders. For information, visit pandacares.org and chla.org.