Riley Children's Foundation announces opening of Panda Cares® Center of Hope dedicated space for patients and families at Riley Hospital for Children

Riley Children’s Foundation is proud to announce the opening of the Panda Cares® Center of Hope, made possible by Panda Express® associates and guests, whose generosity help change kids’ health, change the future.

The Panda Cares Center of Hope is designed to provide a safe and comforting environment where kids can be kids while supporting the whole child—addressing their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. This specially curated space will serve as a respite and healing area for Riley patients and their families, offering activities, workspaces, and places to rest for patients, siblings, and caregivers alike.

“This space is a testament to Panda Express’ deep commitment to caring for Indiana kids,” said Alane Helmer, Vice President, Corporate and Foundation Giving at Riley Children’s Foundation. “With nearly $3 million raised for Riley Children’s since 2008, their partnership has left a lasting impact on the lives of the children and families we serve.”

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

Panda Cares® Centers of Hope across the country are made possible by donations from Panda Express® associates and guests. Funds raised in-store and online at Panda Express benefit each store’s local community. Following a multimillion-dollar commitment to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to fund Panda Cares® Centers of Hope, Panda and CMN Hospitals have debuted Center of Hope locations at several hospitals in the U.S. from California and Texas to Hawaii and Washington D.C.

Since 2007, Panda Express and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have partnered together to change kids’ health, change the future. To date, Panda has raised more than $190M for hospitals affiliated with CMN Hospitals, including Riley Hospital for Children. Panda Express guests and their associates in Indiana have raised nearly three million dollars for Riley since 2007.