August 9 Celebration at Golden Island Seafood Restaurant Honors Cultural Unity, Charity, and Community Spirit
San Diego, CA — In a landmark moment for cultural appreciation and community engagement, the City of San Diego has officially proclaimed August 8 as PandanMe Day, recognizing the lasting contributions of the PandanMe movement and its founder, Lily Zhou. The proclamation celebrates PandanMe’s mission of fostering cross-cultural connections, championing creativity, and uplifting charitable causes across the San Diego region and beyond and all things Panda..
While the official date will now be honored annually on August 8, the inaugural celebration was held on August 9, 2025, at the Golden Island Seafood Restaurant in Mesa area of San Diego — a fitting choice given the venue’s reputation as a gathering place for vibrant cultural events and outstanding food.
The evening’s celebration was more than a symbolic gesture — it was a working example of the PandanMe mission in action. Hosted by Lily Zhou, the event doubled as a high-impact fundraiser for a wide range of nonprofit organizations, including GIC, CART, HOC, SDUL
It was a festive evening filled with fine food and entertainment, where the aromas of Golden Island’s signature seafood dishes set the tone for a night of indulgence and connection. Guests dined on an elegant 10 course banquet as the stage came alive with performances that showcased some of San Diego’s amazing talent, including a highlight performance of Traditional Chinese dances. Graceful costumes, precise choreography, and mesmerizing music transported the audience into a celebration of heritage and artistry.
The celebration also highlighted the power of partnership. The event was made possible in part through the generous sponsorship of Kangen, a well-known name in educational resources, and the Viejas Native American Tribe, whose leaders attended in a strong show of community solidarity. Among the tribal representatives was Tribal Treasurer Samuel Q. Brown, who took the microphone to commend Lily Zhou’s commitment to service and to reaffirm the Viejas Tribe’s ongoing support for PandanMe’s mission. “We see in Lily’s work the values our people also hold dear — unity, generosity, and respect for all cultures. Lily has been an educator and my father asked Lily to teach him mandarin. The Viejas Tribe is proud to walk alongside PandanMe in building a stronger San Diego,” Brown said, earning applause from the audience.
The evening also featured a special introduction by Dr. Mark Rafter, affectionately known as “The Modern Day Marco Polo” and CEO of Fit To Play. Dr. Marco took a moment to reflect on his long-standing friendship and working relationship with Lily Zhou, highlighting their shared dedication to “all things Panda” over the years. He praised Lily’s vision, persistence, and generosity in bringing cultural and charitable initiatives to life, both in San Diego and abroad.
He also paid tribute to all the sponsors and especially to the Viejas Native American Tribe members, acknowledging their longstanding and generous charitable support in the San Diego community, and expressed gratitude for their partnership in uplifting local causes.
Dr. Marco then introduced Board Member Claire Du Plain, as well as co-organizers Jerry Mao and his wife, and Dong Ping Huang, and made an exciting announcement. They revealed plans for the upcoming Panda Photo Art Exhibition, a unique event to create awareness of Panda Culture and Conservation featuring panda photographs taken in Chengdu by the world-famous panda photographer Zhou Mangqi. Some of these amazing and stunning panda images were on display and two were donated for the charity fundraising portion of the event and included taking pictures with the winners afterward. The announcement drew excited murmurs from the crowd, underscoring the strong community interest in what Dr. Marco coined, “Share The Bear…”.
“August 8 shall be known each year as PandanMe Day. This day is more than a recognition,” Lily said in her remarks. “It’s a reminder that when we celebrate when we work together for the good of pandas and humanity…we can create something truly lasting for our communities.”
Entertainment, Art, and Culture
In addition to the Traditional Chinese dance performance, the night’s program included live music, cultural showcases, and interactive art experiences. Audience members were drawn into the celebration, taking photos, clapping along to performances, and engaging in conversations that bridged cultural divides.
The energy in the room reflected the heart of PandanMe: building unity through shared experience. Guests left not only entertained but inspired to contribute to the causes supported by the evening’s fundraising efforts.
The success of the first PandanMe Day celebration has sparked enthusiasm for the future. Lily and in collaboration with Dong Ping Huang plan to expand other amazing events.Supporters believe PandanMe Day could become a signature San Diego tradition, much like other beloved cultural events in the city’s calendar. With its blend of art, community, and purpose, the day offers something unique: a celebration that’s as much about giving back as it is about coming together.
Founded by Lily Zhou, PandanMe is more than an organization — it’s a cultural movement. Through events, partnerships, and outreach, it connects people from diverse backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. Its initiatives often merge art and charity, proving that creativity can be a powerful force for social good.
As San Diego prepares to honor PandanMe Day every August 8, the impact of the inaugural celebration at Golden Island Seafood Restaurant will be remembered as the night that set the tone: a gathering rooted in tradition, energized by generosity, and committed to building bridges between cultures.
For more information about PandanMe and future events, visit the PandanMe website or contact Fit To Play.
