Newsroom

100 Men Who Cook is BACK! Join us on Saturday, August 21st at The Wichita Marriott.

The Pando Initiative works to recruit local chefs who are community leaders, school advocates, and folks who like to COOK FOR A CAUSE to join us in celebrating for a night of FOOD, FUN & RAISING FUNDS for PandoKids.

Guests will have the opportunity to visit each chef station, sampling delicious dishes with open bar included. Chefs will compete for Top Chef honors" by collecting "tips" leading up to and AT the event.

Guests can participate in a silent and LIVE auction, bid on trips, experiences and much more!

Now more than ever, we need YOUR help in raising funds for PandoKids. Tip your favorite chef,  buy tickets, donate to the event and soon, participate in the auction and help us to FUND-A-NEED to help our kids THRIVE in their education and future!

Purchase tickets, tip a chef and view all of the event details at pandokids.org!

Contact Stephanie at shislop@pandokids.org to learn more!

Recently, The Pando Initiative received a generous gift from the Lattner Family Foundation to support our financial literacy program, Reality U. Reality U is a fun and interactive simulation gives students a glimpse into what life could look like as a 26-year-old. Each scenario includes a monthly income, credit card debt, as well as their marital and family status.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Pando has faced challenges in bringing this innovative program to kids but with the support of schools, implementing social distancing and instilling that the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment measures are in place, we are able to provide an eye-opening experience for staff, volunteers, and students alike.

For the first time, students that were participating in remote learning were still able to actively participate in a hybrid format. Educators had stated time and time again how grateful they were to be able to offer students the experience of Reality U to provide them with a sense of normalcy in what has been uncertain times.

Now more than ever, empowering students on the steps they can take to be successful in their financial future is crucial. We are looking forward to our continued growth of Reality U, having volunteers back in schools when able to, and empowering students to see that the choices they make today matter.

We are thankful to the Lattner Family Foundation for their commitment to financial literacy and the support that they have shown to The Pando Initiative and the kids we serve. Thank you or all you do to HELP STUDENTS THRIVE!

To learn more about Reality U, and how YOU can get involved contact Patrick Sehl, Reality U Director at psehl@pandokids.org

CARGILL PARTNERS WITH PANDO TO PROVIDE HEALTHY MEALS

Children in our communities have faced challenges this past year with the COVID-19 pandemic. They have struggled with adapting to changes in how they learn and play. Many families that we serve experience food insecurity issues related to economic difficulties, living in areas where access to food is not easily accessible and loss of employment related to the pandemic.

According to the United Nations World Food Program, the global pandemic has the chance to double the number of people experiencing acute food insecurity, from 135 million in 2019 to 265 million in 2020. Beyond the obvious concern of children being hungry, food insecurity leads to students lagging their peers in terms of cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Food insecure children are twice as likely to have poor health, an increase in mental health concerns and behavioral problems, poorer quality of life and difficulty engaging with their peers.

Our supporters at Cargill recognize this problematic issue and work to address it globally and locally. Recently, Cargill helped to provide healthy meals for all the families we serve. Each situation, and family needs were unique, but the goal remains the same. Some of our staff took families shopping, others picked up groceries for them. In uncertain times, we are so grateful for our community partners that lend a hand to families through various projects over the years.

Thank you for all that you do to HELP STUDENTS THRIVE.

To learn more about how you, or your organization can support Pando and the kids we serve contact Executive Director, Penny Olsen at polsen@pandokids.org