Family Renew hosts ice cream social in honor of 27th anniversary

One of Colin Gray’s first memories at Family Renew was painting the doors of their new facility in Holly Hill. Over two decades later, the facility isn’t so new anymore. 

It was Gray’s grandfather, Tom Ritzi, who was one of the founding members of the organization that has been helping to support homeless families with children in Voluisa County for 27 years. 

"My grandfather passed away two years ago,” Gray said. “When he did, I felt it was important to get back involved with Family Renew to carry on his legacy."

Ritzi, like Gray, was an Ormond Beach resident who was very involved in the community. His grandson described him as a serial entrepreneur who always had the best stories. 

“We were very close,” Gray said. “You could sit down and listen to him talk for hours." 

Since Family Renew has been created, they’ve served about 1,500 families by giving them support and transitional housing with the goal for them to achieve permanent housing and self-sufficiency. 

SEPT. 25
Ice Cream Social 
1:30 to 4 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 38 S. Halifax Drive. Family Renew’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Ice cream, cake, games, silent auction and face painting. Visit familyrenew.org.