---
title: About Us – Real Change
url: https://www.pifster.org/real-change/
date: 2024-07-23T15:51:07+00:00
modified: 2026-11-01T15:38:20+00:00
lang: en_US
---

![Chris and Shashana, the founders of PIFster, smiling together with their dog](/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PXL_20230916_221151029-1024x768.jpg)

About us

# From the red carpet to real change

We’re Chris, a U.S. Army veteran turned film/tv editor (credits include The Flash and FBI), and Shashana, a makeup artist whose career spanned decades, including serving as Head of Hair and Makeup for Dancing with the Stars.

## Meet Chris and Shashana

Hear the story behind PIFster, and the idea of paying it forward, straight from the founders.

Chris Conlee and Shashana Kaplan introduce themselves and the PIFster concept of paying it forward (3 minutes 33 seconds).

## What we saw

Our journey took an unexpected turn from the entertainment industry to the frontlines of community care when COVID hit. We witnessed the incredible power of small, local charities. While big organizations struggled to respond, these everyday heroes stepped in to provide essential support, reminding us of the profound impact of grassroots compassion.

## The idea

That experience sparked an idea: what if we could make it easy for everyone to contribute, even just a little? PIFster was born from that vision. Our mission is to connect caring individuals with the causes that matter most to them, empowering anyone to make a real difference.

## What we believe

This journey isn’t just about technology, it’s a reflection of our deepest values. As Christians, we believe in the power of service and generosity. PIFster represents our commitment to living out those beliefs and creating a platform that strengthens our connection to God and to one another.

![PIFster Pay It Forward logo](/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Pifster-final-logo-black-4k-768x380.png)

Where compassion meets action

## Please join us in paying it forward, one dollar at a time!

[Become a PIFster](/become-a-pifster/)[See how it works](/how-pifster-works/)

[![Candid Gold Seal of Transparency](/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/candid-seal-gold-2026.jpg)](https://app.candid.org/profile/14632547/pifster-inc-92-1821142)

## Veteran owned and operated, and transparent

PIFster Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 92-1821142) and holds the Candid Gold Seal of Transparency.

[View our Candid profile](https://app.candid.org/profile/14632547/pifster-inc-92-1821142)[How we vet every cause](/charity-vetting-process/)