We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our CMN Hospitals partner, Panda Express, for donating more than $3.1 million to Valley Children’s over the past 12 years. In 2020, Panda Express collectively raised and donated $620,815 for Valley Children’s. Panda Express’ dedication to lead a year-round campaign is truly remarkable and is what sets them apart from other corporate partners with whom we work. A special thank you to the top three Central Valley Panda Express Restaurants in Hanford, Madera and Fresno.

All funds raised by Panda Express support the Panda Cares Center of Hope at Valley Children's Hospital. This specialized space provides healing and inspires hope through programs including Child Life Services, Patient and Family Services, Rehabilitation and Spiritual and Chaplain Services, which all address our patients’ entire well-being, including their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Read more about the Panda Cares Center of Hope on our website at: https://www.valleychildrens.org/foundation/philanthropy-heroes/panda-cares

Even during these challenging times, Spirit Halloween employees and the communities they serve came together for a record-breaking year raising funds for Valley Children's Hospital. This year, the Spirit Halloween’s Spirit of Children campaign raised $97,668 for Valley Children’s Child Life Services. We are so grateful for the continued support and dedication by Spirit Halloween to make a difference for all of the patients that come through our doors.

At the age of 18, Roger, or “S-Pops” as many call him, joined the Navy. Little did he know that so much of his life would be impacted by that one decision. What started as a vehicle to travel the world led to a 41-year career in the Navy, a college education, and a successful career in banking.

Over the years, S-Pops invested wisely, including an IRA, which grew substantially. When an individual reaches the age of 72, he or she is required to make minimum distributions annually from their IRA. Rather than being taxed on the required withdrawal, you are allowed to transfer money from an IRA to an eligible non-profit organization. S-Pops jokingly stated, “One thing I don’t like to do is to pay taxes. Giving back to the Navy and to Valley Children’s is payback. I did pretty well for a small-town kid, and now is my time to show it. Kids of the Valley are our future, and I am happy to be able to do this.”

S-Pops presented Valley Children’s with a check for $45,180 in support of the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program Endowment. The goal of this endowment is to assure that the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program is sustained in perpetuity. Thank you, S-Pops, for making a difference, and for thinking of the kids!

Kids Day is less than two weeks away on Tuesday, March 9. We have worked diligently to create a safe way to carry on this Valley tradition through these unprecedented times. The health and well-being of our patients, families and the community at large are our top priorities.

Although our 8,000 volunteers will not be hitting the streets this year for Kids Day, Valley Children's Hospital requests the community's support by donating online in any amount, or by texting GEORGE to 20222 to donate $10.

We appreciate our community’s continued support and dedication to this beloved event. For up-to-date information, please see our Kids Day webpage.

Chevron's 2021 campaign through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals will be March 1-31, 2021. Participating Chevron gas stations in the Valley are raising funds for Valley Children's Hospital, changing kids’ health one gallon at a time.

You can order Lanna Coffee Co's Valley Children's Blend for $15 per bag, and $5 per Valley Children’s Blend bag purchased is donated to Valley Children's to help meet our greatest needs. To purchase Valley Children’s Blend, you can visit their website at www.lannacoffee.com. For employees and patients, it is also available for sale inside the Grape Jellyfish Café at Valley Children’s Hospital.

Select Central Valley C-Stores are raising funds for Valley Children's Hospital. You can purchase a $1 or $5 Valley Children's paper icon, or drop off a donation. Please don't forget to gas up at your local participating C-Store! Click here for locations