Generous gift from Andrew and Peggy Cherng makes possible the purchase of a four-story medical office building and opens new economic and healthcare possibilities for Henderson 

HENDERSON, NEV., February 21, 2025 — Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican’s Siena Hospital Campus is better poised for growth in the vital healthcare services it provides in Henderson after a transformative $17- million donation from Andrew and Peggy Cherng, co-founders and co-CEOs of Panda Restaurant Group. 

This historic gift, the largest in the St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation's history, marks a milestone in Nevada healthcare and paves the way for the expansion of medical services and economic development in the region. The generous donation made possible the purchase of the four-story medical office building adjacent to Siena Hospital. Formerly known as the Del Webb Medical Plaza, the building is being rededicated on February 21 as the Cherng Family Medical Building. The 88,000 square-foot facility hosts medical offices and other ancillary services and grows Siena's footprint to 636,000 square-feet. Now, under the ownership of St. Rose Dominican, these resources can be better aligned with Siena Hospital’s goals for the future.

“This $17-million gift from the Cherngs does more than fund a building; it creates a stronger foundation for the future of Henderson,” said Dr. Chad Warren, President and Chief Philanthropy Officer of St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation. “The Cherng Family Medical Building positions St. Rose as a catalyst for local economic growth by attracting world-class clinicians and specialists and making possible the addition of critical healthcare services. It enables St. Rose to continue providing cutting-edge care while contributing to Henderson’s reputation as a growing hub for medical excellence.” 

The Cherng Family Medical Building expands Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican’s capacity to deliver comprehensive care and lays the groundwork for enhancing Siena’s surgical, pediatric, and trauma services, which are critical designations for a rapidly growing region. By centralizing essential medical services, the building also reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for care, keeping vital healthcare resources close to home.

“We are honored to partner with Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican to bring the Cherng Family Medical Building to fruition,” said Peggy Cherng. “This contribution reflects our longstanding belief in the transformative power of accessible healthcare.

This tremendous gift underscores the essential role of philanthropy in advancing nonprofit healthcare. The Siena Hospital campus has anchored the Henderson community for more than two decades, offering peace of mind to families and businesses choosing this city as home. The Cherng Family Medical Building is an important step in ensuring the region’s residents have access to world-class medical services as the city continues to grow.

Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the visionary founders of Panda Restaurant Group, embody the American Dream. Immigrating from Taiwan and Hong Kong respectively, the Cherngs met at the University of Missouri, where Andrew pursued a master’s degree in applied mathematics and Peggy earned a master’s degree in computer science and a doctorate in electrical engineering. Their journey began in 1973 with the opening of Panda Inn, a full-service Chinese restaurant in Pasadena, California, with Andrew's father as the chef. A decade later, they revolutionized the quick-service restaurant landscape with Panda Express, introducing a concept that would become a global phenomenon, bringing Americanized Chinese cuisine to millions. Their success story is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit, cultural understanding, and unwavering commitment to quality.

Beyond their business achievements, the Cherngs are deeply committed to philanthropy. Through the Cherng Family Trust and Panda Cares, Panda Express's charitable arm, they have donated millions to education, disaster relief, and healthcare initiatives. Their philanthropic focus often centers on uplifting underserved communities and expanding access to educational opportunities, reflecting their belief in the power of giving back and creating pathways for future generations.

Building the Future of Henderson

In addition to supporting new healthcare services, the Cherng Family Medical Building is expected to drive economic possibilities by creating opportunities for partnerships between clinicians and specialists and the hospital. The upgraded infrastructure ensures the Siena Campus has the resources to adapt to the community's changing needs while reinforcing its commitment to compassionate care and medical innovation. 

As the City of Henderson continues to thrive, the Cherngs’ gift represents an investment in healthcare and the region's economic and social well-being. This momentous contribution allows St. Rose Dominican to expand its mission of service and provide the foundation for a healthier, more vibrant future for southern Nevada. 

Beyond their business success, philanthropy is the cornerstone of the Cherngs’ legacy. Through Panda Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm, they have raised over $415 million to support the health and education of underserved youth. 

Dr. Warren added, “The dedication of the Cherng Family Medical Building is a celebration of philanthropy and progress, and reaffirms the vital partnership philanthropy plays in shaping the health of our community, as well as countless communities around the globe.” 

The Cherng Family Medical Building will officially open its doors following a blessing ceremony, building dedication, and reception on February 21, 2025.

About St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation: The St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation, established in 1995, supports the hospitals' dual role as a healthcare leader and a community partner, continuing the Adrian Dominican tradition of delivering top-tier care to all in need. Integral to the growth of Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican, the Foundation spearheads fundraising efforts and fosters relationships to enhance facilities, develop programs, and integrate new technologies, all in response to evolving healthcare demands. As a nonprofit organization under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, donations to the Foundation are tax deductible per state and federal regulations. For further details, please visit supportstrose.org. and connect with us on social media by visiting linkpages.pro/strosefoundation.

About Panda Express® Panda Express, the largest Asian dining concept in the US, is a family-owned and operated restaurant brand founded in 1983 by Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng. Driven by a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express is recognized as a trailblazer in American Chinese cuisine. The company has pioneered iconic dishes like The Original Orange Chicken® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, creating a variety of industry-first recipes. Each dish at Panda Express is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by authentic Chinese flavors and culinary principles. With over 2,500 locations across the country and a presence in 11 international countries, Panda Express continues to share American Chinese cuisine with the world.

Powered by a global family of associates, Panda Cares®, Panda's philanthropic arm, has raised more than $415 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, Instagram, X and TikTok.