Our Panda Cares Center of Hope is here!

Nov 18, 2024

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Last week marked a significant milestone for local youth in the San Fernando Valley as we proudly unveiled our newly renovated Learning Center, now known as the Panda Cares Center of Hope. This vibrant space, crafted with love and vision, was made possible by a generous grant from the Panda Cares Foundation, the philanthropic heart of Panda Express.

Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley Board of Directors member Severyn Aszkenazy cuts ribbon at the opening ceremony of our new Panda Cares Center of Hope!

The Panda Cares Center of Hope is officially open!

The launch event was a lively celebration filled with good food, laughter, and engaging activities for kids, culminating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that symbolized the beginning of a new chapter. Attendees included our dedicated Board of Directors, along with the amazing team from Panda Express, who played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life.

Teens enjoy Chinese food from Panda Express and make fortune tellers at the Center of Hope launch.

A Legacy of Community Enrichment

Since 1966, our Club has been a beacon of support for children and teens, providing resources in both academics and life skills. The unveiling of the Panda Cares Center of Hope is another step in this legacy, offering a refreshed space designed to inspire and empower members to reach their full potential in a safe and supportive environment.

Nicole Chase, our President and CEO, eloquently stated, “The Center of Hope is more than a space—it’s a springboard for dreams. We are deeply grateful to Panda Cares for their dedication to creating impactful change in our community.”

Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley President & CEO Nicole Chase opens the launch, speaking to a full house of Club youth, honored guests, Board of Directors members, media, and the team from Panda Express.

Panda Cares' Commitment to Youth Success

Since 2020, the Panda Cares Foundation has invested over $51 million in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and youth success across the nation. Each Panda Cares Center of Hope stands as a testament to these efforts, reflecting the foundation’s mission to empower underserved youth through substantial support and resources.

By transforming our Learning Center into a welcoming and stimulating environment, Panda Cares is helping us ensure that great futures start within these safe walls. The center will provide essential programs in education, health, and leadership, reinforcing our Club’s ongoing mission to be a pillar in the lives of young people in the community.

Our Mission

For over half a century, we here at the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley have been dedicated to providing a safe, enriching environment for youth. Through our diverse programs, our Club supports hundreds of young people annually, making a lasting impact on their lives and the community as a whole. Learn more about our mission and impact here.

Eric and Citlali sit in the reading nook holding the plaques they presented to Panda Cares, as a thank you from all of us here at the Club. The nook is designed to inspire the joy of getting lost in a good book.

The Panda Cares Foundation

Established in 1999, the Panda Cares Foundation serves communities nationwide through food, funding, and volunteer services. It empowers underserved youth and aids disaster relief efforts, driven by the generosity of in-store donation boxes, Panda associates, and valued business partners.

The launch of this Panda Cares Center of Hope is a reminder of the power of collaboration and community support in creating positive change. It’s a celebration of potential and a promise of brighter futures for the youth of San Fernando Valley.