We believe in artists and musicians, the stories they have to tell, and their passion.
All 5 of us on the board at STArt Now are artists or musicians in some way and we all have experience in the nonprofit world. We are using our powers for good and raising funds for local artisans.
All 5 of us on the board at STArt Now are artists or musicians in some way and we all have experience in the nonprofit world. We are using our powers for good and raising funds for local artisans.
From the beginning |
Our Goals |
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It all started with an idea, a glass of wine, a piece of paper, and some crayons... said no one else, ever!
But that's how we roll, we do things no one else does or will do. We're still a bit new, and 2018 was a big year for us when we decided to start this amazing passion. We couldn't be more excited to share our new ideas and passions with you- our community! |
Our biggest Goals:
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our team
The members of our Board and those who help us succeed
sway difeo
Sway is the creative mastermind behind STArt Now. After seeing a lack of problem-solving in the music and art community of St. Augustine, she decided it was time to make a change. Now, she surrounds herself with creatives for a never-ending pool of problem-solving possibilities and works tirelessly day in and day out to help the people and community she loves so much.
Christene ertl
Christene was an accomplished horn player in her youth and has recently picked it back up again. Seeing her son excel at Piano inspired her! Her husband is an established photographer as well, so she's got the music and the art covered! Her day job is being an attorney extraordinaire. She and Sway have served on musical non-profit boards in the past together.
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Amy hendrickson
Amy was the very first scholarship recipient of STArt Now, it is only fitting that she is the newest member of our board. She is a staple in the North Florida music scene providing beautiful original music in her angelic voice. She is also one of the few that has managed to create a savvy career out of her music.
Karen race
Karen has served as one of the most successful leaders in the non-profit world and so many people describe her as "the hostess with the mostess." Her special talents definitely include making you smile anddddd reigning Sway back in when she's gone too far- which is no small feat!
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irene arriola
Irene dominates the downtown real estate market as her day job and serves on many cultural boards that help our city. She is passionate and a believer in all art. She has fought for many causes in her life and music is at the top of her list, but she might be bias on that since her husband is a local musician you can catch playing all over town!
zoe smolios
Zoe is the newest member to the STArt Now team. She is the assistant extroidinairre and her ability to help keep our ship running is invaluable.Whether it is helping coordinate our annual music festival, booking bands, or finding assistance for local artists she's got it covered!
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RULE NUMBER ONE is love what you do
From the beginning we vowed to have fun while helping others- and we do just that every day
Yep, we are an official
non profit 501-C-3 and that's Sway holding the certificate for the first time. You can see how excited we are to be doing this! |
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Our Amazing team of volunteers
Because there are also those who have helped us along the way and continue to brainstorm new ideas
and give us the gift of their time!
and give us the gift of their time!
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We take pride in working with those who have the same goals as we do, to put art in all its forms at the forefront of the publics mind. And while we wish everyone could stay, there are many who have come and gone but still remain in the artistic world. We have been honored to play a small part in their career paths. Volunteers, interns, part time workers, or a combination - regardless they have all played a role in getting STArt Now to where it is today. Taylor was Sway's First Intern for our annual fundraiser Gatsby, and she's also now killing the creative game at her new marketing job! Mary has modeled for the last 2 Gatsby events and worked behind the scenes on event planning and creating some amazing art. She is now in charge of an amazing museum in Orlando! Kate has volunteered and worked with us for several years, assisting in all of our events, and she is now studying for her law degree! Renee was a past intern who worked on events as well as the start up of the non profit and she is a future NGO expert! |