Since 1986, the mansion at 828 Bourbon Street has housed the Ambush compound including Ambush Magazine and AMBUSHonLINE offices on the first floor adjacent to the plant laden patio. Belle Lain’s Magnolia Bar on the landing of the 3-floor sweeping staircase leads to the private residence of Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain consisting of the second floor entry hall, palour, formal dining room, service kitchen, and internationally famous, award winning Bourbon Street balcony, and the couple’s third floor boudoir. The Ambush Art Collection, as well as the couple’s numerous antiques and collectibles, are showcased throughout.
As publishers of the Gulf South and New Orleans’ oldest LGBT regional tabloid, the Naquin-Delain’s have hosted numerous parties and social events throughout the years here raising over $225,000 for worthy charities and causes vital to the LGBT community and community at large. People from all walks of life have attended these events, dedicated to the charm and hospitality of the South including gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgenders, straights, politicians, celebrities, young and old alike.
From 1991 through 2004, the Magnolia Cotillion held every August 17th celebrated the anniversary of the couple benefiting the NO/AIDS Walk. In lieu of gifts, guests were asked to sponsor the couple in the Walk by making a donation which raised $105,191 in 14 years. From 1993-2002, the couple’s pledge total ranked them as Top Individuals.
