Panda Express is a bear hug to our community

The American Chinese restaurant in Pensacola continues to support Children’s Miracle Network
The next time you think about where to eat, consider a restaurant that makes a difference. Located less than a mile from the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, Panda Express has been a proud partner of the Children’s Miracle Network since 2007, donating more than $86 million to its hospitals to date. 

“At Panda, we believe every child deserves the chance to succeed and create a life full of possibilities, and that can be achieved with healthy bodies and minds,” says Tina Hsing, Director of Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express. “Since the very beginning, our commitment has been to support the health and education of youth, especially those in underserved communities.”

Panda fundraises in stores and through corporate events to give back to the communities it serves. Founded upon a core value of giving, Hsing says, “We are honored to be able to help the staff and families at local children’s hospitals and be part of the healing journey.”

When you visit a Panda Express location, you may be asked for a donation to support your local hospital at the register, and you may hear a bell followed by a cheer of “Thank You”—an experience you’ll see every time a donation is made. Additionally, restaurant associates give their time and resources by visiting children and families alongside the Panda mascot, bringing smiles and their delicious American Chinese food. 

“Giving back and having a generous heart actually work better in life,” says Andrew Cherng, co-founder of Panda Express. “Our passion for giving means that we contribute to the communities we serve, in any way we can.”

Each year, Panda Express raises funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in three main ways: in-store and online donations, an Associate Giving Program by which associates pledge a portion of their paycheck to their local hospital, and special events including the annual Panda Cares Golf Tournament, which raised a record-breaking $3 million in 2019. 

“We have shared values with the Studer Family Children’s Hospital in Pensacola and a joint mission of taking care of the community,” Hsing shares. “When our associates go to the hospitals and visit the children and families we are supporting firsthand, their stories and resilience inspire them to do more.” 

In addition to raising more than $125,000 for the Children’s Hospital last year, Panda Express donated more than 200 meals and 18,000 surgical masks to aid in COVID-19 relief at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola – with more than 5 million masks and 59,000 hot meals donated across our nation. According to Hsing, that’s just part of the culture of the restaurant group founded by Andrew and Peggy Cherng. 

“We believe that during times of crisis, it is even more important to take care of our communities and reach out to help lift others up,” she says. “We are blessed to have the means to make a difference.”
So … what’s for dinner tonight?