Generous Donation from Panda Express Funds New Panda Cares Center of Hope in Children’s Hospital Colorado T(w)een Zone
August 19, 2022
Interactive Space to Focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Activities for Patients and Families
AURORA, Colo. (Aug.19, 2022) – Thanks to Panda Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm Panda Express®, Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado) now has a designated interactive Maker Space, newly named Panda Cares® Center of Hope, within the hospital’s Patricia Crown Family T(w)een Zone. Officially opening today August 19, the center will serve patients at Children’s Colorado through the impactful work of the Child Life program, providing technology, equipment and activities that support emotional and mental health for children.
Panda Cares Center of Hope includes new computers, 3D printers, green screens, laser cutters, digital instruments and more for children and families to learn, create explore as they heal. There are also mobile makerspace carts to ensure that patients who cannot leave their hospital rooms can also take part in opportunities to design and construct various activities.
“This generous gift from Panda Express will impact hundreds of children who use the T(w)een Zone at Children’s Colorado for years to come,” said Jennifer Darling, president and CEO of the Children’s Colorado Foundation. “The Panda Cares Center of Hope allows our Child Life Teams to give patients and families a space to be creative and inventive in a inviting and comforting environment. We are very grateful for our partnership with Panda Express and Panda Cares Foundation.”
In June 2021, Panda committed to a gift of $8.3 million to Children’s Colorado over the next 10 years. This multi-million-dollar gift is the largest corporate commitment in the history of Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. The Panda Cares Center of Hope is a nationwide initiative in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) to promote healing by providing specially curated programs that address each child’s entire well-being, including their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. This initiative is made possible by the generous donations from Panda Express guests and associates.