The Panda Express location at Kings Canyon Road and Peach Avenue is seen in this Google Street View photo.

Panda Express locations in the Central Valley came through in a big way for Valley Children’s Healthcare last year.

Dozens of Panda Express restaurant raised a record-breaking $736,632 in 2021 during a year-round fundraising campaign. The money supports the Panda Cares Center of Hope, a dedicated space in the Madera hospital that supports various patient and family services.

“At Panda Express, giving is at the heart of what we do,” said Argie Santoyo, area coach of operations at Panda Restaurant Group. “Every year, our associates strive to make a difference for the kids at Valley Children’s Hospital. Our customers from Modesto to Porterville are very generous and we are grateful for all their support.”
 
Out of 44 participating restaurants, the top three fundraising stores in 2021 were: Store #1803 in Fresno (Kings Canyon/Peach), which raised $31,882.71; Store #1835 in Madera (Cleveland Ave/Hwy 99) which raised $31,339.23; and Store #840 in Hanford (12th Ave/Lacey Blvd) which raised $31,239.61.
 
“The amount raised in support of our kids is truly an incredible feat,” said Rob Saroyan, president of Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation. “To have accomplished this in the midst of a pandemic shows the heart and dedication of the Panda Express team and the generosity of the Central Valley. We give our deepest gratitude to Panda Express associates and guests for their unwavering support.”