Inspire 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Kapiolani: Serving Up Smiles

"(Our associates) feel like they have a direct hand in supporting their neighbors, families and friends.”
Richard Kakuni, Panda Express area coach of operations

Panda Express associates ran games and activities for keiki at Kapiolani.

Believe. Dream Big. These words are on the walls in the Panda Cares Center of Hope at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, but they’re more than just words. They serve as inspiration for the pediatric patients who use the room to play with toys, video games, board games, and arts and crafts. The space is more commonly referred to as the Playroom. It’s a place where kids can just be kids, and it’s made possible in part through the fundraising efforts of Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express.

Panda Cares raised $401,525 in 2023 for programs and services at Hawaii’s only Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital. The Panda Express location at Moanalua Shopping Center again generated the most funds of any Panda Express restaurant in Hawaii, raising $33,529. All of the funds raised went to supporting Kapiolani’s Child Life team and The Mitsui Family Pediatric Heart Center.

“We are proud to partner with Kapiolani, a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, to bring the vision of the Panda Cares Center of Hope to life and are proud to be part of the healing journey for the families and kids at these hospitals,” said Peggy Cherng, Ph.D., co-founder and co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group.

To recognize Panda Cares’ years of support and $5 million overall commitment to Kapiolani, a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the Panda Cares Center of Hope in August 2023. Dozens of Panda Express associates toured the space, which serves as a central hub for keiki and supports their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs through play.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Kapiolani.

From left: Michelle Cherng Lee, family adviser, Panda Charitable Family Foundation; Dave Underriner, HPH executive vice president of Oahu operations and Kapiolani CEO; Haumea Friel, 2022 National CMN Champion; Peggy Cherng, co-founder & co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group; Ray Vara, HPH president & CEO; Gidget Ruscetta, Kapiolani chief operating officer; Teri Nestel, former CMN CEO; and Dawn Dunbar, HPH senior vice president of Philanthropy.

Panda staff members also served up smiles for the kids they raise money at a carnival-themed celebration at the medical center. Employees engaged with children in ring-toss games, face painting, a fun photo booth and more.

“Our associates are extremely passionate about helping,” said Richard Kakuni, Panda Express area coach of operations. “All the donations and proceeds benefit associates and local communities, so they feel like they have a direct hand in supporting their neighbors, families and friends.”