Panda Cares Donates $100,000

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., the nation’s leader in Asian quick-service restaurants and parent company of Panda Express, has made an unrestricted gift of $100,000 to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

With more than 600 restaurants nationwide, the Rosemead-based company has been successfully operating its food service business for 30 years. While the company has made tremendous strides toward expanding its business, it has remained committed to supporting the communities it serves through its Panda Cares program. Through this company-wide initiative, Panda Restaurant Group has donated thousands of dollars, food and service to various organizations.

In September 2003, the fifth annual Panda Cares Open Golf Tournament raised $300,000 for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles,of which $100,000 was earmarked for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

“Supporting children has always been a particularly important focus for us,” says Peggy Cherng, president and CEO of Panda Restaurant Group, and a member of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles’ Board of Trustees.

Mrs. Cherng and her husband, Andrew, founder and chairman of the privately-held company, are reinforcing their commitment to Childrens Hospital, its patients and the well-being of all children through their personal involvement with the pediatric medical and research facility. Mrs. Cherng, who holds a doctorate in electrical engineering, is a member of The Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Committee and the New Hospital Building Committee for the Living Proof Campaign. Mr. and Mrs. Cherng also are working with the hospital to generate awareness of Childrens Hospital among the Asian community.

“Children everywhere are being helped by the innovative research being done at Childrens Hospital to find cures, develop new treatments and prevent disease,” says Mr. Cherng.

The Cherngs, who have three daughters, one of whom is studying to be a pediatrician, say they are impressed with the spirit of the hospital and the tireless dedication of the entire staff to their young patients.

“Few institutions have this hospital’s strengths: research, clinical care, education and community outreach,” says Mrs. Cherng. “The energy for innovation is immense.”

The Cherngs always have been deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. Mrs. Cherng also is on the board of trustees of the Arcadia Methodist Hospital and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Mr. Cherng recently finished his term as co-chair of a United Way campaign that raised $66 million. Through their company’s Panda Cares program, Panda associates from throughout Southern California provided thousands of hot meals for firefighters, police officers, relief volunteers and evacuees during the recent wildfires. Panda Cares also has donated food for patient events at Childrens Hospital, including a reunion for children who have had bone marrow transplants. In recognition of the company’s support of Special Olympics of Utah, Panda Express was nominated “Sponsor of the Year” for the Central Area Special Olympics program.