On January 14, the Pasadena Educational Foundation was proud to partner with Panda Restaurant Group and its charitable arm, Panda Cares, for a high-impact volunteer day at Willard Elementary School. More than 150 volunteers from Panda’s Restaurant Development Department came together to improve learning, wellness, and play spaces across campus, bringing teamwork, care, and a deep sense of purpose to every project.
Throughout the afternoon, volunteers upgraded the teachers lounge and the Foothill Family Therapy room, reset the backstage of the auditorium, repaired the Wildcats mural, and refreshed the kindergarten play area with newly painted hopscotch grids and bike paths. The team also installed a Wildcat mascot fence sign, built and installed a sandbox, constructed a new tool shed, and made significant improvements to the school garden. In addition, volunteers assembled 500 snack bags that were distributed to students at Willard, Madison Elementary, and Washington STEAM Elementary, extending the impact beyond a single campus.
“This day was truly a highlight for our team,” said James Ku, Chief Development Officer of Panda Restaurant Group. “It was incredibly rewarding to work side by side in service, and partnering with Pasadena Educational Foundation made it seamless to translate our energy into real impact. Through Panda Cares, we are committed to supporting communities in meaningful, hands-on ways, and this experience reflected that commitment.”
Willard Elementary Principal Maricela Brambila shared, “Our teachers and students were overjoyed to see campus spaces refreshed with such care and thoughtfulness. The energy and commitment Panda Cares volunteers brought to every project lifted our community’s spirits and strengthened our sense of partnership and pride in our school. We are incredibly thankful for their support.”
