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Panda Express Partners with DonorsChoose to Bring Lunar New Year Celebrations to Classrooms Nationwide

The American Chinese Trailblazer will match all donations that fund teachers’ Lunar New Year projects, up to $100,000, to provide the resources needed to bring the rich history and traditions of the holiday to life

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The American Chinese Trailblazer will match all donations that fund teachers’ Lunar New Year projects, up to $100,000, to provide the resources needed to bring the rich history and traditions of the holiday to life

ROSEMEAD, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Today, Panda Express®, the largest family-owned and operated Asian dining concept in the U.S., launches the first nationwide Lunar New Year Classroom Initiative in partnership with educational nonprofit DonorsChoose. Inspired by Panda’s free cultural curriculum “Let’s Explore!: Lunar New Year” for educators, the American Chinese restaurant brand and DonorsChoose have created a 2x donation match program to support teacher project requests dedicated to Lunar New Year celebrations on the DonorsChoose platform. Panda Express is pledging up to $100,000 to help teachers get their hands-on resources, kits and materials needed to bring lessons about the vibrant holiday to life for students. Starting December 13th, Panda invites everyone to visit the Panda Express x DonorsChoose Lunar New Year Classroom Initiative at DonorsChoose.org/pandaexpress, where they can donate directly to a classroom of their choice based on city, state and zip code.

“Lunar New Year is one of the most exciting times of the year in Asian culture, and every year, it presents an opportunity for us at Panda to create meaningful conversations around the holiday with our guests, associates, friends and families,” said Andrea Cherng, Chief Brand Officer at Panda Express. “Nearly fifteen years ago, Panda launched the ‘Lets Explore!: Lunar New Year’ curriculum to spark cultural curiosity in our local communities, and it’s grown to become such a valuable resource for educators all over the country. We’re thrilled to be partnering with DonorsChoose, inviting donors to help amplify this important initiative and foster cultural appreciation and inclusivity within our younger generations inside and outside the classroom.”

Studies* show that cultural awareness plays an important role in helping young children develop a positive sense of identity and builds self-esteem. By bringing Lunar New Year celebrations to classrooms nationwide, Panda Express and DonorsChoose are not only deepening multicultural education for today’s youth but also acknowledging the cultural significance of one of the world’s most celebrated holidays centered around universal values of community and togetherness. This partnership marks the first Lunar New Year Campaign in the history of DonorsChoose, and while the campaign is open to all teachers nationwide, special efforts will be made to target schools in Panda’s local communities and Equity Focus Schools, where the majority of students are Black, Latino, or Native American and where the majority of students come from low-income households.

“Teaching about Lunar New Year encourages our students to appreciate their own cultures or cultures that may be different from their own,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “Panda Express is providing educators with resources that make for a festive celebration of the Lunar New Year and for inspiring cultural learning in the classroom.”

First developed by Panda Express in 2008, the “Let’s Explore!: Lunar New Year” program removes common barriers to cultural learning by providing a simple and authentic way for educators to honor the unique traditions and stories of Lunar New Year in their classrooms. Panda’s “Let’s Explore!: Lunar New Year” program is a free interactive curriculum that any educator can sign up for at community.pandaexpress.com/lets-explore-lny. In 2022 alone, more than 3,140 teachers and nearly 300,000 students across 28 states participated in the program.

Designed for in-classroom and distance learning for students grade Pre-K through 5th, the “Let’s Explore!: Lunar New Year” program features eight interactive activities that delve into the key components of Lunar New Year celebrations, including the origin of the holiday, the meaning behind lucky foods eaten during the 15-day long celebration, the symbolism of lucky red envelopes and red lanterns, and more. Special Lunar New Year activity booklets will be sent out to participating classrooms and youth serving organizations.

To learn more about how you can support the Panda Express x DonorsChoose Lunar New Year Classroom Initiative visit DonorsChoose.org/pandaexpress, and to sign up for Panda’s “Let’s Explore!: Lunar New Year” free interactive curriculum, visit community.pandaexpress.com/lets-explore-lny.

*Sources: Science DailyThe Early Childhood Team of Nebraska Extension

About Panda Express®
On a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express® is the largest Asian dining concept in the US. Family-owned and operated since 1983 by Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda Express is best known as a trailblazer for creating a wide variety of industry-first recipes, including its best seller the Original Orange Chicken® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, which have defined the category of authentic American Chinese cuisine. Each dish at Panda Express is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by bold Chinese flavors and culinary principles. The restaurant brand has more than 2,500 locations and has introduced American Chinese cuisine to 12 international countries.

Powered by a global family of associates, Panda Cares®, Panda’s philanthropic arm, has raised more than $282 million and has dedicated countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for over 13 million youth, as well as supporting communities in need since 1999. In 2021, Panda Express established the Panda CommUnity Fund — a five-year, $10 million community investment and response program that supports immediate and sustainable solutions from national and local organizations to uplift diverse groups, including people of color and other marginalized communities. For more information about Panda, visit pandaexpress.com, or find us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

About DonorsChoose
DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, 5.6 million people and partners have contributed $1.3 billion to support over 2 million teacher requests for classroom resources and experiences. As the most trusted crowdfunding platform for teachers, donors, and district administrators alike, DonorsChoose vets each request, ships the funded resources directly to the classroom, and provides thank yous and reporting to donors and school leaders. Charity Navigator and GuideStar have awarded DonorsChoose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their highest ratings for transparency and accountability. For more information, visit www.donorschoose.org.

SOURCE Panda Express

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The Philadelphia Phillies Join Forces with NPCF in the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

Philly Phillies & NPCF join forces to fight childhood cancer, raising awareness and funds through “Cut and Color Funds the Cure” event. #TogetherAgainstCancer

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Bay Care Ballpark for the "Cut and Color Funds the Cure" event, showing their support for childhood cancer awareness and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
Fighting Childhood Cancer: Larry Bowa at the Phillies Cut and Color Funds the Cure for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

It is with great pride and admiration that we share the inspiring collaboration between the Philadelphia Phillies and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF). On Friday, March 22, the Phillies organized a remarkable event called “Cut and Color Funds the Cure” at Bay Care Ballpark. This event brought players, staff members, and supporters together to either cut or color their hair red or orange – the official colors of both the Phillies and NPCF. The primary goal of this program was to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research, with the aim of finding a cure for the 43 children diagnosed with cancer every day.

The “Cut and Color Funds the Cure” event showcased the Philadelphia Phillies’ unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children battling cancer. By embracing the red and orange hair colors associated with the team and NPCF, players and staff members symbolically demonstrated their solidarity and dedication to the cause. This vibrant display of unity helped generate widespread awareness and captivated the attention of both avid baseball fans and the general public.

  1. In joining forces with NPCF, the Phillies recognized the power of their platform to bring attention to pediatric cancer. By leveraging their influence and engaging in events like “Cut and Color Funds the Cure,” they are raising awareness about this harrowing disease and its impact on children and their families. The collective efforts of the Phillies and the NPCF not only inform the public but also foster a sense of empathy and compassion, inspiring others to join the fight against childhood cancer.

  2. The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is renowned for its dedication to funding innovative research aimed at eliminating childhood cancer. By partnering with leading hospitals and research institutions nationwide, the foundation strives to find less toxic and more targeted treatment options. The collaboration with the Philadelphia Phillies further bolsters these efforts by providing resources and support to enable groundbreaking advancements in pediatric cancer research.

  3. The Philadelphia Phillies firmly believe in the power of sports to make a positive impact on their community. Through the “Cut and Color Funds the Cure” event, they actively engaged their fans and supporters, encouraging them to contribute to the cause. By creating an inclusive and participatory environment, the Phillies fostered a sense of community and amplified the collective strength of their loyal fanbase.


The partnership between the Philadelphia Phillies and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation exemplifies the extraordinary potential of collaboration and collective action. By joining forces, the team and the foundation are driving forward the fight against childhood cancer, inspiring hope and uniting people from all walks of life. Through events like “Cut and Color Funds the Cure,” the Phillies demonstrate their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children battling this devastating disease. Together, we can create a better tomorrow for these young heroes and pave the way for a future without pediatric cancer.

About National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (founded in 1991) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research to eliminate childhood cancer. We govern a unique, collaborative research consortium (called the Sunshine Project) consisting of physicians and scientists from over thirty of the top hospitals in the nation. We collaborate to idealize and aggregate the best scientific ideas and fund innovative research. The NPCF has received a perfect 100% score for financial health and transparency and is recognized as the top-rated cancer charity in the U.S. by Charity Navigator. For more information, visit NationalPCF.org or connect via FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

SOURCE National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

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Daily News

Celebrating International Women’s Day: A Tribute to Female Empowerment and Progress

“International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements, honors the past, and fights for a more equal future. Empower, support, and uplift women!”

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International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8th, stands as a testament to the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also serving as a rallying cry against gender inequality worldwide. From the suffragist movements to the modern-day fight for equal rights, the day symbolizes the enduring spirit and resilience of women across generations.


The roots of International Women’s Day trace back to the tireless efforts of trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who championed women’s rights in the face of adversity. Their work laid the groundwork for future generations to strive for equality and justice.

The early 1900s saw pivotal moments such as the massive women’s march in New York City in 1908 and the first National Women’s Day in 1909, highlighting the urgent need for gender equality, fair wages, and voting rights. Clara Zetkin’s call for an annual International Women’s Day in 1910 further amplified the global movement for women’s rights, sparking rallies and demonstrations across countries.

Throughout history, milestones like the ratification of the 19th Amendment in the U.S. and the passage of the Voting Rights Act marked significant victories in the fight for women’s suffrage and empowerment. The evolution of feminism and the rise of digital activism in recent decades have further propelled the cause of gender equality to the forefront of societal discourse.

Today, International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work that still lies ahead in achieving true gender equality. It is a day to honor the contributions of women in all spheres of life, from politics to arts, science to business, and beyond.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us not only recognize the achievements of women but also commit to supporting and empowering them in their endeavors. Providing resources such as scholarships for women from diverse backgrounds can help pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and soar to new heights.

On this day and every day, let us stand in solidarity with women worldwide, amplifying their voices, advocating for their rights, and working together to build a future where gender equality is not just a dream but a reality.

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Celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day

“February 17th marks National Random Acts of Kindness Day, a celebration encouraging acts of kindness that spread joy and positivity nationwide.”

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Every year on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day gains momentum as a day dedicated to spreading goodwill and positivity. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate this occasion, emphasizing the importance of kindness in our daily interactions.

“Embracing Kindness: Celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day”

The essence of this day lies in the simplicity of performing acts of kindness, both big and small, to brighten someone else’s day. Whether it’s buying a coffee for a stranger, complimenting a co-worker, or simply offering a listening ear, these gestures have the power to make a significant impact on someone’s life.

What makes National Random Acts of Kindness Day truly special is its ability to inspire a ripple effect of positivity. Acts of kindness not only benefit the recipient but also uplift the spirits of the giver, creating a cycle of compassion and empathy that transcends boundaries.

As individuals, groups, and organizations come together to participate in this day, the message of kindness spreads far and wide, fostering a sense of community and unity. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference in the world around us.

So, this National Random Acts of Kindness Day, let us embrace the spirit of generosity and compassion. Let us take a moment to brighten someone’s day, spread a little joy, and make the world a kinder place for all.

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