Panda Restaurant Group Inc., parent company of Panda Express, announced a fundraising campaign to assist with disaster relief in Japan. Following the massive, magnitude 9.0 earthquake and 32-foot tsunami that left thousands dead and injured and caused extreme damage to coastal areas and communities, Panda Restaurant Group has committed to raising funds through in-store and corporate associate donations to help provide resources to those in need during this devastating time.

Through the end of March, more than 1,300 participating Panda Express locations across the country will facilitate donation collections through in-store drop-boxes, allowing guests to make contributions of any amount. As part of the Panda Restaurant Group Inc. family of restaurants, donations will also be accepted at participating Panda Inn and Hibachi-San restaurants. All guest-donated proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross.

Additionally, the company’s 18,000 associates nationwide have committed to personal donations. The corporate-generated proceeds will be donated to the compassion relief organization, Tzu Chi Foundation, which is providing two hot meals per day in Oarai Town to the thousands of displaced people living in shelters. Panda Restaurant Group Inc. will match 100 percent of the proceeds collected at Panda Express, Panda Inn, and Hibachi-San locations and by associates nationwide.

“Giving is a core value at Panda Restaurant Group Inc. and we are deeply committed to working together to support relief efforts in Japan,” says Peggy Cherng, co-chairman of Panda Restaurant Group. Inc. “Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by this tragedy. We are grateful to have the ability and resources to host this nationwide fundraising effort, and to do our part to help those in need.”