For 16 years, the largest Asian dining concept and their nonprofit partner have joined together to change kids’ health to change the future

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Panda Express are celebrating the anniversary of a partnership that has raised more than $150 million for member children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada since 2007.  

Panda Cares®, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, will commemorate the day by celebrating Panda Cares Day® on August 8, 2023. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will receive 25% of net sales from online orders on that day via the Panda Express website and the Panda Express app with the code “PCD2023” at checkout*.  

“Corporate partners are the engine that has driven Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ success in raising more than $8.5 billion throughout our 40 years of dedication,” said Teri Nestel, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Our 16-year partnership with Panda Express has allowed our member hospitals to provide holistic care for children, that addresses their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs, and advances our mission of changing kids’ lives to change the future.” 

“We’re thrilled to celebrate Panda Cares Day with our longtime partners Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and humbled to have the community come together to further our mission of inspiring better lives on this special day,” said Dr. Peggy Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group. “Children are our future, and we hope that through this partnership and the Panda Cares Centers of Hope, we give children the strength to thrive and fulfill their highest possibilities.”

Panda Express guests are invited to donate all year round by rounding at the register, during checkout on online orders, or through in-store donation boxes. Additionally, honoring the company’s dedication to giving time and resources to their communities, Panda Express associates support Children Miracle Network Hospitals across the country and enthusiastically raised more than $507,600 in the latest campaign in March.  

Panda Cares donations through the years have led to the establishment of Panda Cares Centers of Hope (PCCOH) at many member Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the nation. These centers are special spaces, providing a safe and comforting environment where kids can have a variety of resources that empowers them with the joys of being a kid. Programs and services offered through the centers inspire hope and promote healing by addressing a child’s entire well-being, including their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. They help give patients and their families courage and strength, while serving as a haven for them to escape the stress of medical care and treatment.  

Panda Cares Centers of Hope programs are designed to address the following needs of children: 

Mental health and development: Quiet, comforting spaces that are dedicated to reading, learning and growing can give kids and families the ability to continue their curriculum or spend time together. These spaces can be found at some member hospitals, including a library at Children’s National in Washington, D.C. 

Emotional well-being: Wellness programs including art, pet and music therapy can reduce stress and build resilience and emotional strength for patients and families.  These PCCOH programs can be found at some member hospitals including a dedicated child life space for patients and siblings, like the one at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX.  

Physical development: Physical, occupational and recreational therapies can improve motor skills and advance recovery for patients and families. These PCCOH programs can be found at some member hospitals, including Children’s Health in Dallas, TX. 

Spiritual support: Pastoral care, meditation, and counseling services can provide additional support to patients and families. These PCCOH programs can be found at some member hospitals, including a spiritual care center at Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Orange, CA. 

“All of these programs address needs that are essential to a child’s full well-being and are largely supported by philanthropic funding,” said Nestel. “Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and our corporate partners like Panda Express are here to ensure that kids get all of the care they require to achieve their full potential.” 

For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, go to cmnhospitals.org. To learn more about the Panda Cares Center of Hope visit pandacares.org. 

*50% of pre-tax event sales will be donated equally to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other charitable partners. Applicable for purchase on Pandaexpress.com or Panda Express Mobile App only on 8/8/23. Visit pandaex.press/PCD2023 for more details.

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals: 
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals supporting the health of 12 million kids annually across the U.S. and Canada. Donations go to local hospitals to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, along with innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. When we improve the health of all children and allow them the opportunity to reach their full potential, we also improve our communities for years to come. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.  

About Panda Express®: 
On a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express®, 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 $329 million and has dedicated countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for over 15 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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact

Kristen McCloy, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, 801.214.7400, [email protected]

SOURCE Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

The educational program and organization will be creating documentary content for distribution this year…

MIAMI, Aug. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Viewpoint, the acclaimed television show hosted by the renowned actor Dennis Quaid, recently announced a partnership with MOKA, a visionary organization dedicated to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, they are set to produce a special episode that sheds light on the transformative impact of care and compassion in improving communities and empowering those with disabilities.

Scheduled for production later this year, the upcoming episode of Viewpoint will highlight MOKA’s exceptional work in fostering positive change within communities. The show will explore how MOKA’s innovative approach is making a profound difference, touching the lives of people with disabilities and bringing a positive ripple effect on the entire community.

MOKA has long been at the forefront of advocating for inclusivity and equality, enabling people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling and independent lives. By partnering with Viewpoint, MOKA aims to reach a broader audience and inspire people, communities, and organizations to join hands in creating a more caring and compassionate society for all.

“Creating inclusive communities is beneficial for both people with disabilities as well as the community around them,” stated MOKA Executive Director Tracey Hamlet. “We are excited to have this unique opportunity to share why our mission is so important and how much potential for growth and prosperity there is when communities commit to inclusion. Too often these stories don’t get told and we are grateful Viewpoint is providing an avenue for this imperative message.”

The upcoming episode will feature personal stories, testimonials, and real-life examples of how MOKA’s innovative programs and initiatives are fostering independence, breaking barriers, and empowering people to achieve their fullest potential. Additionally, the episode will underscore the importance of embracing diversity and promoting understanding, leading to a stronger and more unified society.

About Viewpoint:

Viewpoint is an esteemed television show hosted by renowned actor Dennis Quaid that covers a diverse range of topics, from social issues to inspiring stories of human resilience. The show aims to enlighten viewers and promote meaningful conversations that spark positive change in society.

About MOKA:

MOKA is a pioneering organization committed to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. Through innovative programs and unwavering support, MOKA fosters independence, inclusion, and personal growth for those they serve, while simultaneously creating a more compassionate and accepting community. For more information visit: http://www.moka.org

Media Contact

Development Division, Viewpoint with host Dennis Quaid, 561-244-7620, info@viewpointproject.com

SOURCE Viewpoint with host Dennis Quaid

Parkwood Home Care is expanding its Home CARE services into the Bridgewater area. Currently serving Halifax and Dartmouth, Parkwood Home Care prides itself on providing quality home care services to Canada’s senior population.

BRIDGEWATER, Nova Scotia, Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Parkwood Home Care is excited to expand its Home CARE services to Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Currently serving the Halifax and Dartmouth areas, Parkwood Home Care is one of Nova Scotia’s most trusted home care providers. Their services include a number of different CARE programs for Canada’s seniors and disabled persons.

They offer in-home, veterans, and companion CARE, as well as additional CARE solutions. These programs include services such as personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and shopping to give clients access to health care and support when they need it through customizable programs tailored to their specific situation. They also provide companionship and emotional support to lonely or grieving seniors through reliable visits with providers.

Having expertly served the Halifax and Dartmouth areas, Parkwood Home Care is rapidly growing. Their programs will now be available in the Bridgewater area and throughout Lunenburg County. This is an expansion that they are particularly proud of, as owner Lorna MacMillan states, “Parkwood Home Care is very excited to be extending our services to beautiful Bridgewater, and surrounding Lunenburg County because everyone needs a little help sometimes.”

Whether seniors need hourly care available to assist them when their loved ones are busy or are looking for more dedicated, around-the-clock live-in care, Parkwood is ready to provide Bridgewater’s residents with the expert care they are known for. Their primary focus is delivering their clients with tailored solutions that cater to each individual’s needs, meaning that seniors and loved ones alike can rest easy knowing that Parkwood is there to ease their stress. To learn more about their home care services for your loved one, contact Parkwood Home Care today.

About Parkwood Home Care

Parkwood Home Care is a family-run, Canadian home care company. They offer their services in Halifax, Dartmouth, Bridgewater, and surrounding areas. Their company is guided by the desire to offer the highest quality care to their clients possible by treating them as they would treat their own loved ones. Parkwood Home Care has a number of CARE programs, each designed to address specific needs that seniors may face.

Media Contact

Lorna MacMillan, Parkwood Home Care, 9024219191, lorna.macmillan@parkwoodhomecare.com

SOURCE Parkwood Home Care

“I never thought I would excel at anything athletically because of my disability, but I’ve turned my disability into my ability.” – Steven Wilke, adaptive cyclist and longtime volunteer at the National Ability Center

PARK CITY, Utah (PRWEB)
June 14, 2023

Today, the National Ability Center, a leading non-profit organization that provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families of all abilities, in partnership with Outride and Osseointegration, released the trailer for its first-ever short film documentary, “Tread Setters.” The documentary follows four adaptive cyclists as they ride the 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands, Utah in one day. The four adaptive cyclists in the film are Annijke Wade, Josie Fouts, Roger Withers, and Steven Wilke.

“I never thought I would excel at anything athletically because of my disability, but I’ve turned my disability into my ability,” said Steven Wilke, adaptive cyclist featured in “Tread Setters” and longtime volunteer at the National Ability Center. “My disability has opened more doors for me than I ever thought possible. Through this film about my friends and I on the White Rim Trail, I aim to encourage younger people with disabilities know that they can do anything. Outdoor recreation is a perfect avenue for a complete transformation of mind and body to become the best ‘you’ possible.”

Unlike other trails that start with an incline and end in a decline, the White Rim Trail is the opposite, making it one of the more difficult trails to ride. This unique terrain combined with heavy rain two nights before the ride made it even more challenging to manage for the production crew and four cyclists.

The film was made possible by the adaptive cyclists, producers, director as well as additional partners and production and photography team members:

• Matt Didisheim: Executive Producer
• Tasha Tinagero: Executive Producer
• Louis Arévalo: Director
• Austin Smock: Cinematographer
• Annijke Wade: Adaptive Cyclist
• Josie Fouts: Adaptive Cyclist
• Roger Withers: Adaptive Cyclist
• Steven Wilke: Adaptive Cyclist
• Utah Office of Tourism: Annual Partner

“Working on a film that brought together such a diverse group of athletes and two impactful organizations has been extraordinary,” said Tasha Tinagero, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships Manager at Outride and Executive Producer of “Tread Setters.” “Witnessing the power of collaboration and the strength of unity in this project has been incredible. This process has truly been a testament to the transformative power of cycling and the broad potential for positive change when organizations like Outride and the NAC are at the forefront of a movement. This project developed into an endeavor where barriers were broken, stories were shared, and the human spirit soared.”

To watch the trailer for “Tread Setters,” visit the NAC’s YouTube channel. The full film will be exclusively debuted at SBT GRVL in August. “Tread Setters” can be seen at various film festivals near the end of 2023 and into 2024, with an official public release on YouTube and Vimeo to follow. Tune into the NAC’s social media channels to stay up to date on where and how to watch. To learn more about the National Ability Center’s programs or to become a volunteer, visit discovernac.org. To learn more about Outride, visit outridebike.org.

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About the National Ability Center

The National Ability Center provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families with disabilities, physical, cognitive, and developmental, including competitive athletes, youth, veterans, and more. Rooted in Park City, Utah for nearly 40 years, with an additional facility in Moab, the National Ability Center empowers participants by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through inclusive programming and activities such as alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. With Vail’s EpicPromise as the National Ability Center’s largest annual community partner, NAC is globally recognized as a leader in adaptive sports. For more information, visit http://www.discovernac.org/discovernac.org.

About Outride

Outride is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering communities’ cognitive, socio-emotional, and mental well-being through research, school-based cycling programs, and community grants. At Outride, we believe in the power of cycling to transform lives. We envision a world where billions of people use cycling to improve the well-being of their communities. Outride has a direct focus on expanding opportunities to access the benefits of cycling, partnering with programs that intentionally work to provide the social, emotional, and cognitive health benefits of cycling to underrepresented demographic groups.

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Duthie Power Rentals team

People with intellectual disabilities often don’t get the health services they need to thrive, so our Health Village is almost a turnkey solution for ensuring every athlete gets basic health services they need.

LONG BEACH, Calif. (PRWEB)
June 08, 2023

For over 50 years, Special Olympics has been empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities through the joy of sport. This year’s Summer Games will be held at California State University, Long Beach, June 10th – 11th, and Duthie Power Services is once again donating portable generators to power the event’s Healthy Athletes Village. Sal Hernandez, Duthie Power’s Rentals Manager, explains, “Duthie Power has an ongoing commitment to support programs that empower our community, from food and toy drives with the Crossroads Church to keeping the Special Olympics powered up. We love that we can give back in this way.”

As the world’s largest public health organization for people with intellectual disabilities, the Special Olympics offers myriad services to athletes at this annual event. “Our Healthy Athletes Village provides athletes with everything from podiatric and vision screenings to hearing aid fittings and physical therapy care,” shares Janet Portilla, Senior Manager of Health Initiatives for Special Olympics Southern California.

The Summer Games host over 200 athletes per discipline, with the Health Village offering services to over 600 athletes at this event alone. “One of our missions as a company is to ensure everyone has access to power when they need it, so donating portable generators to the Special Olympics is a way to fulfill our mission while supporting an incredible cause,” says Shana Duthie, Head of Sales and Marketing.

Among the services powered by Duthie’s generators are the edging machine used to make eyeglasses in the Opening Eyes section of the Health Village as well as the technology used for bone density screenings in the Health Promotion section. In the Special Smiles section of the village, athletes can also get fitted for mouthguards to keep them safe in competition.

“The Special Olympics is about so much more than sports,” shares Travis Yamasaki, Manager of Health initiatives at Special Olympics Southern California, “People with intellectual disabilities often don’t get the health services they need to thrive, so our Health Village is almost a turnkey solution for ensuring every athlete gets basic health services they need.”

The Healthy Athletes Village is open Saturday, June 10th 10am –3:30pm and Sunday, June 11th 9am – 2pm, with competitions happening across the CSULB campus all weekend. Admission to the games is free and open to the public

Duthie Power Services has served as the largest independent generator and fire pump service provider in Southern California since 1965. The Duthie team specializes in generator sales, installations, rentals, routine maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, and 24/7/365 emergency power restoration. The company’s commitment to using high-quality parts, coupled with fast, guaranteed customer service and preventative maintenance packages, have made them an industry leader. Duthie Power is a family-owned business and active member of BOMA San Diego (Building Owners and Managers Association) and BOMA Orange County, as well as EGSA (Electrical Generating Systems Association), with offices in Long Beach and San Diego, California.

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“Quinten has impressed with his performances so far this season and we’re happy to be able to help his development and progress by giving this added incentive to step up,” said Vassili Davidenko, TNN General Manager

ATLANTA (PRWEB)
June 07, 2023

Young Belgian talent Quinten De Graeve is set to make the move up to the Team Novo Nordisk professional team after impressing for the development team during the first half of the season.

The 23-year-old puncheur will join the pro ranks with the world’s first all diabetes professional cycling team for the rest of the 2023 season with the focus primarily on gaining more experience.

“Quinten has impressed with his performances so far this season,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “And we’re happy to be able to help his development and progress by giving this added incentive to step up.”

“The onus will be squarely on the learning process and maturing, but after the commitment and drive Quinten has shown this year, we feel he will be a strong addition to the senior professional team.”

In his first year with the Team Novo Nordisk development program De Graeve has produced good results in stage races on US soil at Redlands Bicycle Classic and the extremely challenging Tour of the Gila where the Belgian secured top 20 finishes on stages two and four and shown his strength and Flemish characteristics competing in gritty national races in Belgium.

“This winter it was great news for me to join the Team Novo Nordisk development team and the positive impact was noticeable straight away,” said De Graeve. “One of the many things the team taught me was how to start to live more and more professionally, diet, training, and diabetes management and as a result I became stronger. I’m sure I can learn a lot from the pro riders, and hope to keep growing.”

“Prior to my first season with the development team, I wasn’t thinking about becoming a member of the TNN – pro team. Of course this is a dream come true for me. I’m still developing, but I feel that I’m a pretty classic Flemish rider, I like the punchy courses, racing on the cobbles and against the wind are elements I can identify with and I’m looking forward to take this opportunity to progress with the pro team.”

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Bryon Bass

“I’m excited to join a thriving organization that is a trusted resource for so many in the industry,” said DMEC incoming CEO Bryon Bass. “The education, networking, and support I find among DMEC members is unparalleled, and I’m eager to help chart a successful path forward.”

SAN DIEGO (PRWEB)
June 01, 2023

The Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC), which serves more than 18,000 absence and disability management professionals in the U.S. and Canada, has named Bryon Bass, CLMS, incoming chief executive officer (CEO) for the Association. An experienced industry leader and a DMEC member since 1996, Bass has served on the DMEC Executive Advisory Board and the DMEC Employer Advisory Council, won the DMEC Partnership Award in 2009, and starts his role as incoming CEO on June 1, 2023.

“We are excited to welcome Bryon into this leadership role for DMEC,” said Kevin Curry, DMEC board chairman. “He is a strategic leader, who is well-respected within the community. The Board is confident in Bryon’s ability to extend DMEC’s influence and build on its 31-year history in the integrated absence and disability management field.”

Bass was previously senior vice president, workforce absence and disability practice leader for Sedgwick, a global provider of technology-enabled risk, benefits, and integrated business solutions, where he oversaw disability and absence management product strategy, innovation, standards and compliance, and product line best practices.

Prior to joining Sedgwick, he served as director of integrated disability management at Pacific Gas and Electric.

Bass is a nationally recognized disability and absence management expert. In addition to articles and speaking engagements that address state and local leave laws, mental health, return to work, and related topics, he regularly contributes to white papers and other industry articles and studies that help set the absence and disability management framework for employers and policymakers.

“I’m excited to join a thriving organization that is a trusted resource for so many in the industry,” said Bass. “DMEC has always been a beacon for absence and disability professionals, who see DMEC not only as the destination for industry education, but also as a supportive family. The education, networking, and support I find among DMEC members is unparalleled, and I’m eager to help chart a successful path forward.”

Terri L. Rhodes, CLMS, CCMP, CPDM, MBA, DMEC’s current CEO, has led the organization since 2015, and will facilitate the transition through Dec. 31, 2023.

During her eight years as CEO, Rhodes expanded DMEC’s influence as an industry leader, and the Association reported triple-digit membership growth, developed the Certified Leave Management Specialist designation program and a popular microcredential course series, launched a new absence plan design benchmarking survey and dashboard, ensured support for members during the pandemic, and more. She will continue to support DMEC and the industry in various roles in the years to come.

”Bryon was the best choice for DMEC’s next CEO; his passion and dedication to DMEC matches my own, and that is a tall order,“ said Rhodes. “Bryon has a good understanding of DMEC’s mission and vision — having served as a volunteer for many years on various DMEC boards and committees. I look forward to watching Bryon and the DMEC team take the organization forward to meet the challenges and changes in our industry.”

About DMEC

The Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) is the only association dedicated to providing focused education, knowledge, and networking for absence and disability professionals. Through its education programs, DMEC delivers trusted strategies, tools, and resources to minimize lost work time, improve workforce productivity, and maintain legally compliant absence and disability programs. Visit http://www.dmec.org for more information.

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Families with special needs individuals face a number of unique legal and financial challenges.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
May 18, 2023

The free webinar, entitled “Holistic View of Special Needs Planning,” will provide comprehensive legal and financial insights for families with a loved one with special needs. Bernard A. Krooks is a renowned attorney with extensive experience in special needs planning, special needs trusts, and special education advocacy is New York. The webinar will cover topics such as government benefits, estate planning, guardianship, and special needs trusts.

Families with special needs individuals face a number of unique legal and financial challenges. With many families struggling to provide adequate care for their loved ones with special needs, the webinar will offer valuable information and guidance for families seeking to ensure that their loved one receives the best possible care and quality of life.

The webinar is free to attend and open to anyone interested in learning more about special needs planning.

“We are excited to offer this free webinar on special needs planning,” said Mr. Krooks. “Our goal is to provide families with the information and resources they need to navigate the complex world of special needs planning and ensure that their loved one receives the best possible care and support.”

Bernard A. Krooks, Esq., is a founding partner of Littman Krooks LLP and is widely recognized as a leading authority in the field of elder law, estate planning, and special needs planning. The webinar is part of Littman Krooks LLP’s ongoing commitment to providing families with the legal expertise and support they need to navigate the complex world of special needs planning.

The webinar will be held on Thursday, May 25th, from 4-5 PM EST.

To register, visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7623643522462051161.

ABOUT LITTMAN KROOKS

Littman Krooks LLP combines extensive legal knowledge and expertise with individual attention to your needs. And for over 30 years, we have brought astute, honest counsel and strong, thorough representation to every one of our clients.

Littman Krooks provides families with comprehensive representation for all their wills and trusts matters, including elder law, estate planning, probate and estate litigation. Their special needs trust attorneys are able to assist families with every aspect of special needs planning and special education advocacy.

Their corporate and securities team has a significant presence in the private secondary market, representing numerous broker-dealer sponsors and private partnerships in fund formation, private placement of fund interests, and purchases of private shares in emerging growth technology companies.

Littman Krooks LLP

800 Westchester Ave S-436 Rye Brook, NY 10573

https://www.littmankrooks.com/

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