T
his years 7th annual Mint Jubilee was held at 5eleven in downtown Pensacola. This Kentucky Derby
themed event is the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council’s largest fundraiser and celebrates citizen
diplomacy, hospitality, and the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
This yearly fundraiser helps the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy fund their many programs including
their intern and youth programs, as well as support their hospitality efforts in Northwest Florida. At the event they
presented two awards: The Outstanding Citizen Diplomat of the Year to Jereme Johnson and The Dr. Jack Kichler
Hospitality award to Kent and Leigh DeSantis. This event also included a live auction, which was conducted by Bob
Solarski, a wonderful wine pull, live folk music by the String Farm Band, a hat contest for the ladies and a “Gent
most ready for the Races” award.
The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council is a local organization whose mission is to create and encourage
collaboration between community members who enjoy sharing the Gulf Coast with others by facilitating professional
and personal interaction for international leaders during official visits to the region.
photos & story by
Catherine Rowan
VIP Pensacola at 5eleven
The Mint Jubilee
30 | VIPPensacola.com
Bonnie & Hal George
Andrea Ford & Conna O’Donovan
Silvia Mokbel & Marie Henderson
Michelle Salzman & Diane Mack
Karen Jurkowich & Bob Solarski
Salma Ashmawi & Racine Frank
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