'Toast' And '1909' Relaunch Shots For Tots Fundraiser In 2025

TEMECULA, CA — The owners of Toast Temecula, Toast Murrieta, and 1909 are once again running their Shots for Tots campaign with an ambitious goal of raising $50,000 toward area charities.

"We invite all community members to rally together and contribute to this significant initiative, providing a way to kick off 2025 with a giving heart for those most in need, they said.

This is on the heels of a "monumental year" for fundraising in 2024, a spokesperson told Patch. Last year, the trio of restaurant businesses ran a series of non-profit campaigns to help families and pets in the Temecula Valley, all with record success.

"We are embracing numerous opportunities to give back, we reaffirm our commitment to not only delivering quality and excellence in our offerings at all three of our restaurants but also

fostering a strong connection to our community through partnerships with local non-profits throughout the valley," they said.

The year began with a remarkable donation of $27,100 from last year's Shots for Tots campaign to El Roi Ministries.

"This organization provides support and tangible needs for children in and out of the foster care system. Patrons of all three restaurants participated, setting the stage for our ongoing efforts to support local families in need," they said.

In May, 1909 partnered with Southern Star Animal Rescue to host a dog adoption event, facilitating the placement of loving pets into new homes.

"This event demonstrates our belief in the importance of companionship and community service, which aligns with Southern Star's mission as a no-kill shelter rescuing animals from other facilities in the valley."

August marked another significant initiative as they collected school supplies for children associated with El Roi Ministries.

"We assisted students as they prepared to return to school, fundraising at both Toast locations and 1909," they said. This effort showcased our collaborative spirit dedicated to empowering local children."

In October, Toast Restaurants teamed up with Great Oak Culinary and Oak Grove Center to sell cookies from their Cookie of the Month club, with all proceeds benefiting the Great Oak Culinary classes.

"We are excited to continue selling these delicious cookies until the end of our holiday season at Toast, enriching our community through culinary education," they said.

During the holidays, the trio of restaurants hosted a special dinner for local foster families in partnership with Koinonia at 1909.

"This heartfelt event included a hosted dinner and gifts for each family, allowing us to celebrate and support these vital community members," they said.

Finally, in December, they welcomed Temecula Valley Unified School District for a holiday luncheon for at-risk youth at 1909. "Our passionate staff provided tours, offering insights into the hospitality industry, fostering meaningful relationships with young participants, and creating a memorable holiday gathering," they said.

Now, the restaurant is once again hosting its Shots for Tots campaign to start the New Year in 2025.

"At Toast Restaurants and 1909, we genuinely care about our community and are dedicated to making a positive difference through our initiatives, which focus on supporting local underprivileged children," they said. "We have engaged in fundraising efforts for non-profits benefiting children in need, organized events for foster families and students, and collected supplies to assist those in need. Together, we can create lasting change in the Valley!"