Schools Raffles a New Car

Temecula and Murrieta high schools are set to raffle off a new car.

Residents can enter the drawing for $5, and the winner will get a new Corolla Sport from Toyota of Temecula Valley in celebration of its 20th anniversary. The winner will be announced during the Taste of Temecula Valley event on April 30.

Toyota of Temecula Valley opened in 1991 and employs more than 140 people. Within the last 10 years, it donated more than $1 million to local charities and organizations.

Competing are all the public and some of the private high schools in the area, such as  Temecula Valley High School, Chaparral High School, Great Oak High School, Murrieta Valley High School, Vista Murrieta High School, Calvary Murrieta Christian High School, Temecula Preparatory High School, Murrieta Mesa High School, Linfield Christian High School and Sparkman Alternative Education High School.

Those interested in helping out a school of their choice can go to Toyotas4u.com to make a contribution. Donors can indicate the specific group on campus they would like to benefit. One hundred percent of the donations will go to the school of the donor's choice. Online donations are open until April 24.

According to the most recent tally, Temecula high schools were in the lead. Great Oak led with $1350 in donations. Chaparral was in second with $755.

Murrieta schools had a lot of catching up to do. Vista Murrieta got $165, Murrieta Mesa had $20 and Murrieta Valley had only $10.

Toyota of Temecula Valley plans to bring a Corolla Sport to each of the participating schools for a special event.