L100 Members Support Camp Agape

Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas, Leadership 100 members from Rancho Santa Fe, California, hosted a fund-raising event last April in Los Angeles for Camp Agape, a summer camp facility for children with cancer supported by the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society and initiated by the late Metropolitan Anthony of the Metropolis of San Francisco. Paulette Poulos, Executive Director (Interim) of Leadership attended, hearing the families of children who attended the camp give personal testimony to their experiences.

The Theme of Camp Agape 2007 was “HOLLYWOOD”, and Jennifer Marlin told the story of attending with her daughter, Juliet. “The moment we stepped foot on the campground, onto the Red Carpet that had been laid out for us, we each felt like a STAR. With their arms out wide and Hugs-a-Plenty, these amazing women from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Ladies Philoptochos Society made sure everyone felt special from the moment they arrived,” she recounted.

Combining the vision of Fr. John Bakus with the support of the Philoptochos Society, Camp Agape’s roots go back to 1989 when summer camp opportunities for children with cancer began in the San Francisco area. The idea spread throughout the Northwest in the Metropolis of San Francisco and became a model for others around the county. Metropolitan Antony proclaimed that all Metropolis churches that had access to outdoor camping facilities should consider doing something for children with cancer. The program is actively supported by the current Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and widely supported by members of Leadership 100.