2018 Signature Event: A Night of Diplomacy, Arts and Inspiration!

It was a room filled with diplomats, arts, and inspiration, and it wouldn’t have been the same without you!

Thank you to everyone who graced us with their presence and generosity at the 2018 Diplomacy Council Signature Event on Saturday evening at the Museum of Photographic Arts. It was a huge success as we built new and strengthened existing relationships, shared stories of successful diplomacy, and looked toward the future.

Our very best Board President JC Thomas III and Executive Director Fabienne Perlov kicked off the event by reminding us all of the importance and impact of public diplomacy. InfraGard San Diego received the Partner Agency of the Year Award and Senate President Pro Temp Toni Atkins represented by Toni Duran received the Ambassador Charles W. Hostler Citizen Diplomat of the Year Award to thunderous applause. Amirah Sackett awed the attendees with a remarkable, jaw-dropping hip hop dance performance. Emcee Dallas McLaughlin led the audience in our live auction using his wit and humor to give away incredible experiences to our attendees. Todd Cochran’s hands moved flawlessly across the piano, transporting the audience into the world of jazz. When Adam Clayton Powell, III took the stage to give the keynote speech, he would pause at opportune moments and Cochran’s music would fill the air as he played a piece from the era of diplomacy Powell was referring to. The raffle drawing concluded the evening and everyone left the event with wonderful memories and new connections.

Thanks to your generosity, we will continue in the next year to build strategics bridges between our community, city, country and nations around the world. We will continue to invite world leaders to our offices and homes, give them another image of America and San Diego. We will continue to send cultural ambassadors overseas, and create lasting impressions on leaders and communities across the globe, that stir goodwill and make common cause on global threats.

Thank you to our sponsors for your generous support – Sharon Payne & Rob Oswalt, Sempra International, Chinyeh Hostler, Port of San Diego, BD, Qualcomm Inc., Sureride Inc., The Bristol Hotel, and George’s Camera. Additionally, we thank all of our auction, raffle, food and beverage donors: Chef Marco Maestoso, San Diego Expeditions, Perris Valley Skydiving School, Chris McCann, Robert Gleason, Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, Oceana Coastal Kitchen, Ryan Simkin, Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe, Farmers Insurance, Jim & Lisa Behun, Nine-Ten Restaurant, USS Midway, Cohn Restaurant Group, Crystal Hill Vineyard, Lucha Libre Taco Shop, San Diego Symphony, PRP Wine International, Courtyard Marriott Liberty Station, La Jolla Playhouse, Cafe Gratitude, The French Gourmet, Bernardo Winery, Coronado Playhouse, Save Our Heritage Organization, San Diego Jazz Festival, LA Philharmonic, China Max, Tom Spano at Piatti’s Restaurant, Pizza Port, Dean Haas, and Modern Times Beer. Finally, we thank all our Board of Directors and Advisory Board Members whose contributions are invaluable.