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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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5/30/19   6:43 AM