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.

From   the   beginning

Our   Goals

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:

• To help provide all of the local musicians and artists in our funky town with their tools of their trade           (instruments, paint brushes, string replacements)
• To make sure these guys are being treated fairly!
• Coaching and Advising them on marketing, business practice, and self worth
• To get them the education they need to make their art form a business by hooking them up with local workshops to help them do it​

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 Inaugural board meeting

Meet   our    board

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.

Irene Arriola
Irene dominates the downtown real estate market as her day job and serves on many cultural boards that help our city be even more amazing. She is passionate and is a believer in all art forms. 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 one since her husband is a local musician you can catch playing all over town!

                                 Sway DiFeo

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.

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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.

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!

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.

Photo by Tucker Joenz

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Our  Amazing  team  of  volunteers

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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!

Kate Brennan-
She has volunteered and worked with us for several years, assisting in all of our events! She is now studying for her law degree!

Mary Bonatakis-
She 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!

Taylor Gillis - Sway's First Intern for our annual fundraiser Gatsby!! She's also now killing the creative game at her new marketing job!

Renee' LaChance - Sway's past intern and future NGO expert!