Aryana Noroozi
Riverside County restaurants are teaming up with the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center (MSRPAC) this week for Hungry Hounds, a two-day dine-out fundraiser that turns meals into lifesaving support for homeless cats and dogs in the Inland Empire.
On Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21, 2025, participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to the nonprofit, which provides shelter, adoption services, medical care, and spay/neuter programs for pets in need. In a statement issued to Black Voice News, Carrie Ridgway, MSRPAC Executive Director, explained that in addition to these programs, the proceeds will also support daily essentials like food and enrichment. “Every dollar helps us provide homeless dogs and cats with the safety, healing, and compassion they need until they’re adopted,” TK wrote. “Simply put, these funds save lives.”
Diners can take part by presenting a Hungry Hounds flier at checkout, available for download on MSRPAC’s website.
Restaurants joining the effort include select locations of California Pizza Kitchen, Blaze Pizza, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, and Yogurtland. Last year, the campaign raised nearly $900. This year, the center hopes to surpass that with a fundraising goal of $1,200.
For many pets, the support comes just in time. MSRPAC shared the story of one puppy named Kitana, who they described as a gentle and playful pup who was adopted as a puppy but returned to the shelter earlier this year. She has been waiting since March for her second chance at a forever home.
“It’s incredibly heartwarming,” Ridgway said, commenting on witnessing the community collaboration behind Hungry Hounds. “When local businesses join us, it shows how much this community values its pets and families. These collaborations not only raise vital funds but also raise awareness, showing that caring for animals is truly a community effort.”
To see the full list of participating restaurants, dates, and downloadable fliers, visit petsadoption.org/HungryHounds.