On Saturday night, March 21, nearly 600 people from across St. Louis came together at The Factory in Chesterfield to celebrate 50 years of strengthening families and transforming communities.
Relive the evening—or experience it for the first time—by viewing the photo gallery here.
An evening of reflection and momentum
The evening began with a VIP pre-event, as guests gathered ahead of the main celebration. By 7 p.m., the full program was underway, led by St. Louis soul singer Brian Owens, who served as master of ceremonies and set the tone for the night.
Chris Krehmeyer then took the stage to reflect on Beyond Housing’s 50-year journey—highlighting the organization’s growth, its impact across the region, and a clear vision for what comes next, including a deeper focus on increasing economic mobility for families living in Beyond Housing’s rental homes. The program also featured a powerful performance of the original song “The Story of Good,” led by Owens and talented young chorus singers from across St. Louis.
Krehmeyer also paid tribute to leaders who helped shape the organization’s path, including Lynn Broeder, the first executive director of the Ecumenical Housing Production Corporation, who hired Krehmeyer in 1993 to lead the organization that would later become Beyond Housing.
Additional speakers shared powerful reflections on the organization’s impact, including Vinita Park Mayor James McGee and former Beyond Housing residents Tawanna Gandy and Adrianna Hudson, who spoke about their families’ journeys from housing instability to becoming first-time homeowners.
The evening culminated in an invitation to help write the “next chapter of good,” followed by a paddle raise that inspired an outpouring of support.
A community of good
Because of this community, Beyond Housing didn’t just meet its goal—it surpassed it, raising nearly $600,000 to support the work ahead.
Generosity showed up in powerful ways throughout the night. Carol Benoist and John Beuerlein each pledged to match gifts up to $50,000, helping build momentum across the room. The Benoist family’s long history with Beyond Housing was also recognized during the program, underscoring a legacy of commitment to the organization’s mission.
Orvin Kimbrough, CEO of Midwest BankCentre, made a significant contribution with a $50,000 gift on behalf of the bank, along with a personal gift of $25,000.
That same spirit carried into the silent auction, which raised more than $40,000. Guests bid on a wide range of experiences—from nights at The Fabulous Fox and The Muny to exclusive sports packages, signed memorabilia, and custom Nike sneakers by artist Brock Seals. Three attendees also secured weeklong stays at a luxury Gulf Coast estate.
The next chapter of good
But beyond the numbers, the evening was about something bigger.
In his remarks, Krehmeyer shared a vision rooted in long-term commitment and deeper impact—because meaningful change happens when support is sustained long enough to take root.
The story of Beyond Housing is, at its core, the story of good.
And that’s what the night represented.
Together, we keep good going.
Thank you to Carol Benoist, John Beuerlein, Orvin Kimbrough, and these sponsors who help Keep Good Going.
Relive the evening—or experience it for the first time—by viewing the photo gallery here.
