Growing up, Katie dreamt of many things. Beating the boys on the field, becoming an artist, singing for crowds and cooking great meals for filled tables.
After a stint in Nashville to pursue a singing career followed by playing on the semi-pro soccer circuit, just over 19 years ago Katie moved to Napa Valley to pursue a career in food and wine. While managing events at a local winery, her mentor’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare disorder, Rett Syndrome. Although she had just recently moved to the wine country, Katie saw this as an opportunity to give back and make a difference, while bringing together everything that inspired her.
In 2004, Katie co-founded the Erika Van Giesen Foundation, alongside an annual epicurean gala, Erika’s Dream, to support it. With the monies raised, in 2006 she helped establish Katie’s Clinic at Children’s Hospital Oakland, which to this day still serves girls and their families afflicted with Rett throughout the Western United States. This fundraising gala was a way to incorporate all her passions; FOOD, WINE & PHILANTHROPY, while throwing one heck of a party and sharing her love for entertaining.
In 2009 Katie helped launch Wine, Women & Shoes; A food and wine based event that would become a successful national fundraising platform. Later that year she launched her first wine label Toolbox Wine Co., with a mission to craft affordable, quality driven wines that gave back. That same year at Erika’s Dream a few conversations led to Katie taking a leap of faith to make a concept she had been dreaming about - a reality. With a “slow and grow” global concept in mind, the last 9 years have been dedicated to building the Feast it Forward brand and most recently in 2018 opening the first flagship brick and mortar live studio + experiential showroom in downtown Napa. An entrepreneur at heart, all of Katie’s experience has led to Feast.
Throughout her career Katie been struck by what incredible things can be accomplished when you bring together amazing people over fantastic food and wine. We hope you will take a seat at her table to help RAISE a glass, awareness and funds. Cheers!
