Best known for its annual “Children Helping Children” Fashion Show & Luncheon, PANDA's volunteer-driven group has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of sick children in Arizona and beyond.
To celebrate PANDA’s 25th Anniversary, here are 25 remarkable facts about this inspiring organization.
1. The Beginning (1999) – PANDA was founded by Penny Gunning and Robyn DeBell, who united to raise awareness in Phoenix about the groundbreaking pediatric research happening at Steele Children’s Research Center in Tucson.
2. The Visionaries – PANDA started with 35 founding members, including prominent Phoenicians and dedicated philanthropists.
3. The Meaning of PANDA – PANDA is an acronym for People Acting Now Discover Answers—a name that reflects the organization’s mission and urgency.
“Two and a half years ago, we had a child who was sick. She was in pain and as parents we were scared. Thanks to PANDA we were introduced to the right doctors who got our daughter’s disease under control through research and medication. Today, we have a child who is thriving. It’s the best possible outcome.” -Dara Cohen, PANDA Chair and patient mom
4. A Pioneering Event – In 2000, PANDA hosted the very first Children’s Fashion Show at the Arizona Biltmore, a trailblazing event in the Valley.
5. Over 1,100 Models – To date, more than 1,100 local children have proudly walked the PANDA runway in support of pediatric research.
6. 100% Volunteer-Led – PANDA operates with a 100% volunteer women’s board, meaning every dollar raised directly supports pediatric research.
7. Building Young Philanthropists – PANDA models not only walk the runway but also learn about the importance of medical research, fostering a new generation of compassionate philanthropists.
8. PANDA’s Full Name – While affectionately known as PANDA, its formal title is the Phoenix Women’s Board of the Steele Children’s Research Center.
9. $35 Million Raised – Over 25 years, PANDA has raised an impressive $35 million for pediatric medical research.
10. $120 Million in Impact – PANDA’s funding of early-stage research has led to more than $120 million in federal grants from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
11. Two Transformative Clinics – PANDA has established the PANDA Aerodigestive Disorders Clinic and the PANDA Neurological Disorders Clinic, providing critical multidisciplinary care.
12. 60,000 Patients Annually – Each year, 60,000 children from across Arizona and beyond receive care at the Steele Children’s Research Center.
“Until it’s happened to you or someone you love, you’ve likely never thought about pediatric medical research. But once you have to, you’re so grateful that this life-saving research is happening. Thank you PANDA for pushing these discoveries forward so families like ours can have answers and hope for healthier futures.” -Lindsey Madison, patient mom
13. Supporting Medicaid Patients – Over 50% of patients served by Steele’s physicians are on state Medicaid, meaning PANDA’s work improves health outcomes and reduces long-term costs for the state.
14. Pandas for Patients – Since 2014, PANDA has sold over 10,000 panda teddy bears through the annual “Pandas for Patients” campaign, bringing comfort to young patients.
“I went to seven different doctors and got no answers, or the wrong answers. Then I went to Steele, and within two minutes of meeting Dr. Ghishan I had an answer.” -Will Graham, former Steele patient
15. Sold-Out Success – PANDA’s “Children Helping Children” Fashion Show & Luncheon has been a sell-out event every year since 2016.
16. 6x Event Growth – From a few hundred attendees in its early years, the annual event now welcomes nearly 1,200 guests each spring.
17. A Year-Round Effort – PANDA raises funds 365 days a year, with ongoing campaigns ensuring a consistent impact.
18. Three Generations of Volunteers – PANDA’s community includes passionate mothers, daughters, sisters, and even grandchildren, making it a multigenerational effort.
19. Honoring Others – The organization’s “Children Helping Children” philosophy began with the idea of children walking the runway to honor peers who couldn’t.
20. A True Working Board – PANDA thrives because its members are hands-on, rolling up their sleeves and contributing wherever needed.
21. Six Endowments – PANDA has established six endowments to ensure pediatric research funding continues in perpetuity.
22. 28 Labs Funded – PANDA’s contributions support work in 28 different labs at Steele Children’s, providing equipment, supplies, and researcher salaries.
23. Patient Models – Each year, Patient Models take the runway, showcasing the extraordinary impact of research, resilience, and hope.
24. Title Sponsor Support – In 2018, Fox Restaurant Concepts became PANDA’s first Title Sponsor, continuing its unwavering support for the past seven years.
25. 200 Women, One Mission – A small but mighty group of 200 dedicated women have built PANDA into a legacy of compassion, collaboration, and life-changing results for children’s health.
"PANDA resources saved our family.” - Robyn Calihan mother of Steele patient
“Thanks to PANDA, our daughter’s disease is under control.” -Dara Cohen, PANDA Chair/patient mom