Posted May 25, 2025
DOORWAYS | 1101 N. Jefferson Avenue | St. Louis MO 63106
ALTBALL 2025 Fundraiser
Celebrated Fashion Under The Big Top
Themed “Ringleader,” ALTBALL 2025 blended high fashion designers
with runway models to raise money for DOORWAYS!
St. Louis, MO – May 15, 2025, was a night to remember as a community celebrated bold fashion, fierce performances, and unapologetic self-expression. ALTBALL sold out weeks in advance, affirming that it has become a must-attend annual celebration of artistry, community, and resilience.
This year’s theme—RINGLEADER—turned the circus tent in St. Louis/ Midtown neighborhood into a high fashion show with theatrical flair and fearless individuality. More than 25 designers pushed the boundaries of avant-garde fashion. They were joined by special guests Mondo Guerra (Project Runway) and Crystal Methyd (RuPaul’s Drag Race), with a high-energy opening from Kode Redd Dance Company and a show-stopping Circus Berzerkus ball by The TENS Experience.
It was more than a show—it was a vibe. From the explosive opening act to the final strut, ALTBALL 2025 delivered something unforgettable—powered by a community that shows up and believes in the power of creative expression.
Special thanks to DOORWAYS Board Member Chris Lintz, whose vision and leadership launched this event and continues to pull together a fabulous program every year! Special thanks also to Haliday Douglas and Max Maxedon, who both helped shape every detail of the evening. We’re also grateful to the Fourth City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and all of our incredible volunteers who welcomed guests, assisted with seating, managed merchandise, and brought an energy that made the night special.
Thank you also to our on-site photographers: Be Lovely Photography, Elise Dunn, Joan Fisher, and Keith Brake, for capturing so many incredible moments throughout the event. Additionally, we are grateful to Miss-n-Scene Productions for creating a fabulous video recap video of ALTBALL–click here to watch.
ABOUT DOORWAYS
Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV. Each year, we serve approximately 3,000 clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies.
Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we have arranged to have a BOCA Pharmacy and a Key Clinic on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.
Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with their care coordinator, clients are encouraged to comply with an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases–opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.
For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.org
ALTBALL Followed By A Panel Discussion Titled “Sewing Change”
In recognition of the impact of expressions of creativity through fabric and design, the Missouri History Museum hosted a special discussion panel titled “Sewing Change.” Held the day after ALTBALL, Friday, May 16, the excitement remained high among both the guests and panelists.
Joining the conversation were Mondo Guerra, Ted Kerr, Maxi Glamour, and Roseann Weiss,. Susan Barrett moderated the discussion.
Together they explored the intersection of fashion, creative communities, and HIV/AIDS activism. Unfortunately, the panel was briefly paused and subsequently canceled due to the May 16 tornado that passed through the City of St. Louis causing massive damage down the central corridor.