Author Archives: Barbara (Bridget) Burton

Local Author Launches New Non-Profit Called Neighbors as Family Inspired by her First Novel, ‘A Walk Down Rushville’

LA JOLLA, Calif., March 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — La Jolla resident Barbara Burton (also known as Barbara Graf) has launched the non-profit organization Neighbors as Family (NAF), aimed at supporting individuals to make connections and create a chosen family in their neighborhoods. There are many people who are no longer connected to their birth family, whether because of dysfunction, estrangement, loss or other reasons. As humans, we need connection, yet often when the connection to our family of origin is lost, we look to others close-by to create that bond… our neighbors.

Photo caption: La Jolla author Barbara Burton proud to launch new non-profit, Neighbors as Family.

The Neighbors as Family vision is simple: Because of neighbors, no one needs to be without a family. Neighbors As Family is a real non-profit inspired by Burton’s fictional book, “A Walk Down Rushville” (ISBN: 979-8885043847).

The concept is introduced by Skyler, the protagonist in the contemporary fiction novel. Skyler faced depression, loneliness, and estrangement from her family of origin but finds love, acceptance, and connection with the neighbors around her.

The character’s journey inspired the author to make the organization real. “The NAF concept came to me in a dream while I was writing the book. I wanted my character to be able to make a difference in the world, to make a contribution in some way,” said Burton. “As she moved away from depression and grief and embraced the love of her neighbors around her, the idea came to her that an organization could encourage those without a family to connect with neighbors—thus, the concept was born in the story. Then, I made a decision to make it real and establish a nonprofit in the state of California.”

Neighbors have always been important to Burton, and to this day, many of her best friends live within blocks of her home.

Neighbors are also important to Jim Thimmes of La Jolla. “My neighbors are truly like family members to me. I have taken my neighbors to the hospital or doctor’s office for appointments and they have done the same for me,” said Thimmes. “Our mutual families are out of town so these people are my family. I applaud an organization that encourages families to reach out to a neighbor that might be alone or without support. Let’s share these stories of connection. These are the stories that will help us understand that the strength of a neighborhood is in the compassion of families and neighbors coming together through life’s journey.”

Photo caption: (L-R): La Jolla neighbors Jim Thimmes and Georgia Schweitzer enjoy coffee together.

Creating this non-profit was an unexpected development, and Burton is looking forward to building Neighbors as Family into something that will bring joy and fulfillment to those who are yearning for the connection that family provides.

For more information on making neighborly connections, to share a photo or personal story about neighbors, to get involved, or to make a donation, visit https://neighborsasfamily.org/.

Note: Burton’s soft cover and e-book are now available on Amazon, with an audio book in the works. “Neighbors as Family” (EIN# 99-4436350).

For more information, please visit: https://barbaraburtonauthor.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0312-s2p-Barbara-Burton-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: La Jolla author Barbara Burton proud to launch new non-profit, Neighbors as Family.

NEWS SOURCE: Barbara Burton

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Barbara Burton), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/local-author-launches-new-non-profit-called-neighbors-as-family-inspired-by-her-first-novel-a-walk-down-rushville/

Author’s Second Children’s Sing-Along Book Launches with a Give-Back Campaign Supporting Pet Adoption

LA JOLLA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Children's sing-along book author and vocalist Bridget Burton (pen name) known in her community as Barbara Burton Graf, just published her second children's book "Annie Kai Lani Kai Lou: Maui's Beloved Pup" (ISBN 978-0989562416; Softcover) this month. The illustrated book, designed for early readers, is captured in both a soft cover print, eBook (Kindle) and video/cartoon versions and includes upbeat Hawaiian music with steel guitar and ukulele and vocals by the author herself.

The book follows the escapades of main character Annie Kai Lani Kai Lou inspired by the author's own English Springer Spaniels she's had in her life. "The books capture their rambunctious, fun and adventuresome spirits," says Burton, "I love dogs and I love Hawaii, so creating these books is a natural expression for me." Burton also quipped, "and of course, I love kids and singing... and kids love Annie!"

"This book honors the scenic beauty of the coastline, mountains and waterfalls in Maui, as only a pup could experience it!" continued Burton. Annie hikes on Haleakala, takes the Road to Hana via scooter, goes horseback riding, and shops Lahaina. For any family who has visited (or will visit) Maui, the book will provide some options for exploring the island through the eyes of this special pup.

Burton chose to publish the book in multiple formats and explained that it was important to give children a variety of ways to learn: Read the soft cover version and sing along with the verses; or listen to the music online while paging through the eBook. Kids can also watch the video version which features Annie moving around a designed map of Maui to the cities and points of interest in the song and animated cartoons with each of the eight verses. The music/lyrics are available online with and without page-turning prompts to help children learn to read faster.

With the first book, set in Kauai, Burton supported the Kauai Humane Society's (KHS) adoption efforts by initiating campaigns and making donations. This newly published book is set in Maui and in tandem with the launch, Burton will be donating a percentage of the sales to the Maui Humane Society (MHS).

"We're excited to get creative and continue to explore opportunities with them [MHS] to find ways to help boost their off-island adoption efforts like we did with KHS," said Burton.

For further information, please visit https://www.anniekailani.com/.

Print and eBook versions are available for purchase exclusively on Amazon while the video/cartoon versions are available on both Amazon and the Annie website.

BOOK ONE: "Annie Kai Lani Kai Lou: Kauai's Beloved Pup." First Publication Hardback Print, eBook and Video Versions 2016. Softcover Publishing 2023 with Re-release of eBook and Video Version.

BOOK TWO: "Annie Kai Lani Kai Lou: Maui's Beloved Pup." Publishing June 26, 2023 in Softcover print, eBook and Video Version.

Children's sing-along book author and vocalist Bridget Burton (pen name) known in her community as Barbara Burton Graf, just published her second children's book "Annie Kai Lani Kai Lou: Maui's Beloved Pup" (ISBN 978-0989562416; Softcover) this month. The illustrated book, designed for early readers, is captured in both a soft cover print, eBook (Kindle) and video/cartoon versions and includes upbeat Hawaiian music with steel guitar and ukulele and vocals by the author herself.

Related link: https://www.anniekailani.com/

Kauai Humane Society to be the Beneficiary of Children’s Sing-along Book Sales

LA JOLLA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Children's sing-along book author and vocalist Bridget Burton will donate $5 from every book bundle sale to the Kauai Humane Society (KHS), starting August 22, 2022. A special "give back" page on the book's website will keep track of purchases of "Annie Kai Lani Kai Lou: Kauai's Beloved Pup" (ISBN: 978-0996216050) hard cover print and companion digital version bundle.

Twenty-five percent of sales through this special page will be donated to KHS through year-end in support of their pet adoption programs.

"I have enjoyed the years of connecting with this organization and being a dog lover all my life, it's a pleasure to be able to give back through sales of the book," said Burton. She added that, "When I learned about KHS's off-island pet adoption programs, I felt that was the place that could make the most difference."

"Annie Kai Lani Kai Lou: Kauai's Beloved Pup" is a children's illustrated book set in Kauai and based on Bridget's dog Annie, an English Springer Spaniel. It features Annie's adventures throughout the island of Kauai as she canoes, ziplines, surfs, and even enjoys a luau with a Shih Tzu.

In its digital version children can read, or join Bridget who sings the verses, accompanied by Hawaiian steel guitar and ukulele.

The Kauai Humane Society's Executive Director Nicole Crane is delighted to accept these donations. "Our off-island adoption endeavor, Mission Mainland 2.0, recently came to an end with the successful adoption of 125 pets. We would like to continue that effort and the news of Burton's 'give back' program will certainly help us do that." With the costs on the rise for all aspects of their programs, this no-kill shelter with a high-population of pets is looking for ways to encourage and pay for off-island adoptions and reach as many people on the West Coast as possible.

In addition to the monetary donations, Burton is sending press releases to West Coast news outlets, posting on social media, and is donating Hawaiian bandanas for the next 100 pets adopted.

To purchase a book bundle to benefit KHS, readers can visit: https://www.anniekailani.com/KHS/.

To find out more about Mission Mainland 2.0, visit: https://kauaihumane.org/.

Children's sing-along book author and vocalist Bridget Burton will donate $5 from every book bundle sale to the Kauai Humane Society (KHS), starting August 22, 2022. A special "give back" page on the book's website will keep track of purchases of "Annie Kai Lani Kai Lou: Kauai's Beloved Pup" (ISBN: 978-0996216050) hard cover print and companion digital version bundle.

Related link: https://www.anniekailani.com/