When NorthBay biz first heard of Feast It Forward, the Napa-based lifestyle brand that combines wine, food and philanthropy with entertainment and events, it sounded a little, well…confusing. But a conversation with fast-talking founder Katie Hamilton Shaffer opened our eyes to her unique “beyond the plate, bottle and guitar” vision.Shaffer has launched her own online network (www.feastitforward.com), bringing awareness and goodwill from Napa Valley and across the globe, by showcasing chefs, actors, winemakers and musicians alongside the causes that inspire them. In episodic webisodes featuring Shaffer and other, signed talent, the Feast It Forward team “serves as a guide to the conscious consumer searching for a more philanthropic life.” Celebrity chef Rick Moonen is the latest to join the network, with a show called “Can I Eat This?” focusing on sustainability and local food producers.
In a custom Airstream trailer (designed to be a wine lounge-meets-filming studio), Shaffer and the FiF team attend concerts, film festivals and entertainment events throughout Northern California, interviewing artists (musical, dramatic and culinary) and celebrating “inspiring living, philanthropic giving.” At BottleRock 2015, for example, musician Michael Franti performed and spoke about his Do It for the Love Foundation, which brings terminally ill patients, people with special needs and wounded military service members to live concerts.
FiF also sells a variety of custom, branded products on its website and at events, with a portion of proceeds benefitting community causes (identified areas of support include women, children, health, animals and international). “We seek to enlighten viewers, open minds and change the way people think about food, wine and purchasing products that give back to the community.”
There’s so much more to Shaffer’s all-encompassing vision. Check the Feast It Forward website to learn when the trailer will be rolling in to a destination near you.
