Photo from the movie "Marie Antoinette" courtesy Sony Pictures.

Webb Party theme provides French twist on annual event
QSanAntonio.com, January 7, 2012

The opulent trappings of the French court of King Louis XVI, and most especially of his Queen Marie Antoinette, serve as the inspiration and theme of this year's Webb Party which is "Let Them Eat Cake."

The Webb Party, slated this year for April 20 at the Lambermont Estate, is the San Antonio AIDS Foundation's largest fundraiser of the year. The official Fiesta San Antonio event offers a cuisine tasting featuring fare from local restaurateurs, caterers and celebrated chefs as well as full open bars, performances, music by guest DJs, a silent auction and a stellar crowd.

SAAF Marketing Director Regina Villalobos says that partygoers are encouraged to come in costume. When it comes to this year's theme she says, "Think big hair, ball gowns and over-the-top makeup."

The choice to have the party at the Lambermont Estate is significant for two reasons says Villalobos. The first is that the estate is just down the block from SAAF's headquarters on East Grayson Street. The second is that the location follows in the tradition of the Webb Party being held at notable San Antonio landmarks.

Lambermont was built in 1894 as the residence of Edwin Holland Terrell, a lawyer and statesman who served as Ambassador and Plenipotentiary to Belgium during the presidency of Benjamin Harrison in the early 1890’s. Past Webb parties have been held at the San Antonio Museum of Art and historic Sunset Station.

Each year, SAAF holds Kick-Off Parties to generate funds to underwrite the costs and expenses for the Webb Party. Attendees at these parties can sign up as VIP supporters at various price levels ranging from $175 to $2012. Each level offers partygoers a variety of perks including a private VIP lounge with its own bar.

This year four VIPs will have the added opportunity to stay overnight after the party at one of the Lambermont mansion's four luxurious guest bedrooms, each decorated to evoke the building's late19th Century origins.

The next Webb Kick Off party is scheduled from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on February 2 at the Lambermont Estate, 950 E. Grayson Street. The evening will feature a cash bar, food from Ocho Lounge and a live DJ. The $25 admission includes two free drinks. Admission is free if you are already a VIP or if you become one that evening. Click here to purchase tickets to the Kick Off party.

Click here for more information about becoming a VIP for the 2012 Webb Party.

Webb Party slated for Lambermont Estate
QSanAntonio.com, November 19, 2011

Organizers at the San Antonio AIDS Foundation announced this week that the next Webb Party, slated for April 20, 2012, will be held at the Lambermont Estate which is located just a few blocks east of SAAF's headquarters on Grayson Street.

Lambermont was built in 1894 as the residence of Edwin Holland Terrell, a lawyer and statesman who served as Ambassador and Plenipotentiary to Belgium during the presidency of Benjamin Harrison in the early 1890’s.

Terrell commissioned architect Alfred Giles to design this home, patterned after castles and chateaus he had seen in France and Belgium. He named the castle “Lambermont” after a business associate. Today, the mansion and grounds sit directly across the street from Ft. Sam Houston.

Architect Giles was an Englishman who came to Texas to work. He also designed the Mother House and Convent at Incarnate Word College; Daniel Sullivan’s Stable and Coach House at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens; the 1909 addition to the Menger Hotel; the Steves Homestead in the King William district; and, at Fort Sam Houston, the Infantry Post Barracks, Officers’ Quarters, Staff Post; and Commanding General’s Quarters.

The Lambermont mansion is now a events venue owned by Pat and Dona Liston who have transformed it into a popular location for weddings, reunions and other events.

"We are very excited to bring the Webb Party to the Government Hill neighborhood," says SAAF Executive Director David Ewell. "Having our biggest fundraising event of the year just a few blocks from SAAF House will give this year's Webb Party a special significance."