Panda Restaurant Group Makes Major Donation to Red Cross for Japan Disaster Relief

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Panda Restaurant Group, parent company of Panda Express, Panda Inn and Hibachi-San contributed more than $450,000 to the American Red Cross in support of Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief. Panda’s charitable giving arm, the Panda Charitable Foundation matched a $228,966 donation made by Panda Express customers through an in-store Japan relief campaign. Fifteen Panda employees presented the check at a ceremony held during a briefing at the American Red Cross Los Angeles Emergency Operation Center on June 8.

“It is clear that Panda is committed to helping the people of Japan so devastated by the recent disasters there.”

“We would like to thank the leaders of the Panda Restaurant Group, its associates and its generous guests for raising this significant gift to help those still suffering in Japan,” said Paul Schulz, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region CEO. “It is clear that Panda is committed to helping the people of Japan so devastated by the recent disasters there.”

Generous donations like this one have enabled the American Red Cross to meet the continuing emergency and longer-term recovery needs of more than 90,000 families living in evacuation centers and temporary housing.

In making the donation, Dr. Peggy Cherng, co-chairman of Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. said, “We have been blessed with the support of our communities across the country and are grateful for the opportunity to give back. Our partnership with the American Red Cross is based on giving and respect - two of Panda’s core values. We know the funds raised will go directly to those in need and that trust inspires us to do all we can for those in need.”

About Panda Restaurant Group

Founded in 1983, with close to 1,400 locations and 18,000 associates in 38 states, the privately-held Panda Restaurant Group is the world's leader in Asian dining experiences. The successful chain of concepts includes Panda Express, Panda Inn and Hibachi-San. Panda Express is best known for its wide variety of original recipes including their famous Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, SweetFire Chicken Breast, Honey Walnut Shrimp and Kobari Beef. For more information visit www.pandaexpress.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

About The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region

A volunteer-led humanitarian organization, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Serving more than 85 cities, the Red Cross provides relief for victims of house and apartment fires, earthquakes, floods, hazardous material spills, transportation accidents, explosions and other natural or man-made disasters -- 24 hours a day. Last year, nearly 160,000 people were trained in vital life-saving skills, including CPR and first aid. For more information, please visit www.RedCrossLA.org.