HELLENIC HERITAGE NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Jeannie Ranglas Prominent Church Patron and Philanthropist

For her passionate and selfless commitment to charitable endeavors, multiple philanthropic achievements, and her support of Orthodoxy.

Jeannie was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to parents of Greek ancestry, Peter and Matina Dale. They raised a close-knit family with Jeannie’s brother, Scott, attending Saint Demetrios Church in Chicago. They moved to the suburbs where Jeannie and her family continued their involvement in the local parish – Saint Demetrios in Elmhurst – where Jeannie was involved in Sunday School and GOYA. Jeannie earned a degree in Fashion Design, inspired by her always-keen eye. She enjoyed a career in retail fashion and as a bridal buyer for an exclusive boutique in Chicago.

During a family vacation in San Diego, Jeannie met Gerry Ranglas at an AHEPA picnic, and after a long-distance courtship, they were married in San Diego in 1978. Jeannie soon found her home in the church, through the friendship and mentoring of Father Theodore and Presvytera Mary Phillips, of blessed memory. A new church was forming, Saints Constantine and Helen in Cardiff by the Sea, and Father Phillips was starting a Philoptochos Chapter. He appointed her to the board and since that time, Jeannie has embraced this dynamic ministry with dedication and vision.

Jeannie is currently in her thirteenth year serving as the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos President. She has also been a member of the National Philoptochos Board for the Archdiocese for over 20 years, currently serving as Second Vice President. Jeannie’s work with Philoptochos, especially in the Metropolis of San Francisco, has elevated this ministry with its programs of national recognition. This includes Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape which includes four regional camps throughout the west coast that provide love and support for children with cancer and their families. This program also provides financial assistance for medical expenses and the Philoptochos has been at the side of those families who have lost their children to cancer and even provided funding for funerals.

The Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, started by then-Bishop Anthony, of blessed memory, has grown significantly to provide for the financial needs of the seminarians and students from the Metropolis of San Francisco as they pursue higher education and ministry at Hellenic College Holy Cross (HCHC) Greek Orthodox School of Theology. In the past 37 years, the Metropolis Philoptochos has contributed over

$3 million in scholarships to HCHC and they continue to be a beacon of Christ’s light and love through their generosity.

Jeannie and her husband Gerry are members of Leadership 100, and have been significant benefactors of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco as Faith Forward stewards, benefactors of the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring, Holy Monastery of Saint John, and Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. Jeannie also continues to be active in parish beyond just Philoptochos and has also served as Parish Council President, Greek Festival Chair, and President of the Cardiff Orthodox Housing Foundation. Jeannie and Gerry have also generously supported the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Archdiocese, and continue to serve in a variety of leadership capacities. They are also major supporters of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center in New York.

Their philanthropy extends into the civic community as the lead donors for the establishment of the Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas Endowed Chair in Ancient Greek History at the University of California San Diego in 2005. This position provides for excellence in education in Greek philosophy, literature and classics, and leaves a lasting legacy of their family’s dedication to their Hellenic heritage. Jeannie was also recognized by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary with the Women of Dedication award for her community service and leadership. At the 2013 Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Folk Dance and Choral Festival, the Ranglas’ were honored with the Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award. Jeannie and Gerry are the proud parents of Athan Ranglas and Alexis Ranglas-Behseta (Romin Behseta), and the adoring grandparents to Juliette Evangelia. They have maintained a strong family life, and instilled in their children the importance of service to others.

In recognition of her passionate and selfless commitment to charitable endeavors, multiple philanthropic achievements, and her support of Orthodoxy, we present Jeannie Ranglas with the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award this fourth day of March 2023, at our Forty-ninth Anniversary Dinner.