NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Honoring the extraordinary leadership of Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas and celebrating the ministries of the Metropolis of San Francisco highlighted the 2016 Gala held Nov. 12.

The Ranglases were honored with the Theofanis Economidis Award in recognition of their devoted stewardship and exemplary leadership to the Metropolis of San Francisco with Metropolitan Gerasimos remarking, “This honor being bestowed upon you tonight does not signify the completion of your work, but rather it pays tribute to your faithful service and your ongoing devotion to the Church.”

A capacity-filled ballroom with over 420 guests enjoyed a beautiful evening filled with tributes to Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas, including messages from Leadership 100 Chairman George Tsandikos and Executive Director Paulette Poulos, and National Philoptochos President Maria Logus. Video messages from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Demetrios highlighted the work of the Ranglas’ for the Church, and their steadfastness as faithful stewards and exemplary Orthodox Christians. Gerry serves on the Archdiocesan Council, is a member of the Board of Trustees of Leadership 100, and is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Jeannie is president of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos, and also serves as first vice president of the National Philoptochos. The Metropolis Philoptochos Board also presented Jeannie with a diamond encrusted gold dove pin encircled by a chain symbolizing the bonds of unity and peace inherent in the ministry of Philoptochos.

Also included in the Gala program was a video highlighting the ministries of the Metropolis.

This offered deeper insight into the vast array of programs and ministries which are being offered for the benefit of our clergy and faithful. Another video entitled “Family, Faith and Philanthropy” chronicled the lives of Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas and their leadership and dedication to the Church.

Economides Award

The Ranglases were presented with the Theofanis Economidis Award, named in honor of its first recipient and presented to distinguished stewards in recognition of their leadership, inspirational vision, hard work, and humble service to Jesus Christ and His Holy Church. The stunning crystal Baccarat Imperator Eagle has been chosen as the symbol to honor the extraordinary leadership of our stewards, as the eagle is a universal symbol of strength, authority and freedom. It also represents the Lord’s vast embrace of all His people, keeping them safe beneath His protective wings. Upon being presented with their award, the Ranglases commented that their work for the Church “is a labor of love. It is a way for us to share the blessings we have received to help the Church grow and thrive.” They continued on to say, “We accept this award not just for ourselves, but on behalf of our family – from our grandparents to our parents, our siblings and our children – they have all been instrumental in our work for the Church.”

The 2016 Gala was chaired by Archon George and Vickie Demos from Huntington Beach, Calif. In his welcome remarks, George Demos commented, “There is no task that is too great or too small for Gerry and Jeannie. They are examples of faith in action and they inspire all of us through their dedication and commitment.” Leading the program were Masters of Ceremony Nicole Dalkas Castrale, recently retired from the LPGA Tour and current commentator on the Golf Channel, along with Jenni Pulos, co–star and executive producer of Bravo TV’s Flipping Out.

Major sponsors for the Gala included: Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas, George C. and Vickie Demos, O’Melveny & Myers LLP, Isidoros and Maria Garifalakis, and the George and Judy Marcus Family Foundation.

The evening opened to the sounds of the 1940’s with the Esquires Big Band performing as guests entered the elaborately decorated ballroom, and also provided entertainment during dinner.

Greek singer Harry Varthakouris, son of the legendary Yiannis Parios, was the featured performer at the Gala. In addition to his singing career, Varthakouris is widely known for writing, arranging and producing hit songs for Antonis Remos, Despina Vandi, Sakis Rouvas and Natassa Theodoridou. He was accompanied by Maestro Nikos Kouros, and Theo Pasialis on the bouzouki.

Proceeds from the Gala will support the ongoing development and expansion of the ministries which have been cultivated through the efforts of the Metropolis Strategic Plan which was initiated in 2012 and has brought forth a more comprehensive and visionary infrastructure to provide meaningful and relevant ministries for the clergy and faithful of the Metropolis. For more information on the vibrant ministries of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, visit www.sanfran.goarch.org.