The Newtown Memorial Fund, Inc, a sustainable fund created to support those affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, announced it has received a contribution from The Jeff Ruby Foundation & Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, Inc, a Cincinnati-based steakhouse operator.

Mr Ruby, the company's owner and president, donated more than $44,000 raised in part from an event he hosted earlier this year to support the Newtown Memorial Fund.

“The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting moved me to take immediate action with providing assistance for the community that suffered such tremendous loss,” said Mr Ruby. “During February of this year the staff at Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment was busy making preparations for a private event to celebrate my 65th birthday. I decided to open the event and include not only our most loyal patrons, but those who followed us through social media in an effort to raise funds through donations for the Newtown Memorial Fund.”

Mr. Ruby’s birthday gathering took place on April 20 in downtown Cincinnati and featured live entertainment from Kool & The Gang. More than 3,000 people attended including local business leaders, professional athletes and long-time Jeff Ruby patrons.

Newtown Memorial Fund Vice Chairman Jeff Belanger along with Communications Committee volunteer Amy Bailey attended the event to greet guests and assist staff with accepting contributions at the donation kiosks.

“Jeff Ruby’s compassion and support in this difficult time means so much to our organization,” said Mr Belanger. “The fact he used his birthday celebration as an occasion to help our community is a clear demonstration of Ruby’s overwhelming compassion and generosity. Newtown still has a long road to travel as we recover, but with the help of people like Jeff Ruby, our community can focus on better days ahead.”