Newport Beach eatery donates Sept. 11 funds

A Newport Beach resident has provided funding to families of victims

of the Sept. 11 tragedy who worked in food service in the World Trade

Center complex.

The Ritz Brothers Charities, the Ritz Restaurant and Garden’s social

club for men raised $115,000 last year to give to the Windows of Hope

Family Relief Fund.

Ritz Brothers’ member Hans Prager and wife Charlene recently returned

from New York, where they presented the money raised.

Each of the 850 members contributes $150 annually to a chosen charity

that has typically been divided among Orange County-based charities that

aid needy children.

The Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund’s first fund-raising event was

held Oct. 11 with the assistance of 4,000 restaurants worldwide.

The Ritz Restaurant and Garden is at 880 Newport Center Drive.