John G. Rangos Sr., who is also the founder and former president of another aid group called the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, expressed his gratitude to have won the first-ever Gabby Award together with other renowned philanthropists.

“I know that the Gabby Awards will become a long-standing tradition for outstanding service in the Greek American community,” said Rangos.

Due to the philanthropist not being able to attend the event, John G. Rangos Sr.’s grandchildren received the Gabby Award on his behalf.

The Gabby Awards, which was based on its acronym “Greek America’s Best and Brightest Stars,” was hosted by the Greek American Foundation, a nonprofit aid group; and the Greek America Magazine. Profits from the awards ceremony were sent to the Greek American Foundation’s Hellenic Legacy Fund, a grant fund developed to honor scholarships to students who are studying overseas in Greece.

Winners from the event were chosen via a voting system, with thousands of Greek Americans participating. The awards were bestowed in categories such as philanthropy and public service, entertainment and performing arts, education and academia as well as business and entrepreneurship.