By Cindy Christy Fertsch
It’s true that April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring puddles! Many children must walk through these conditions to get back and forth to school each day. Many would agree that there’s no worse feeling than wet socks under shoes you have to wear all day. That’s a feeling Angela Burton hopes to eliminate for children in need through her initiative “Rainboots for Children.”
Burton is collecting Rain Boots for Children through her 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Creative Multi Media. Established in 2019 by Burton and her sister Saundra Adams-Stephens, the nonprofit organization is based in South Jersey. Creative Multi Media emphasizes the importance of community and cultivates creative spaces and events that highlight local artists and community leaders.
Though the nonprofit was officially formed in 2019, the now-famous award show has been a tradition since 2014. The Creative Multi Media Organization, a 501(c)(3) was formerly known as The Black History Awards, and has produced award shows since 2015. Burton has also set up a forum to acknowledge individuals who have supported, volunteered, and served our communities.
Angela Burton was discovered by the late Harold Melvin, from the famed soul group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Burton became one of the most recognizable faces and voices in Atlantic City and continues to go strong today. She has become a household name in the regional area as the opening act at the famous Club Harlem in Atlantic City.
Burton has opened for some of the top musical acts that came to Atlantic City, including The Commodores, The Stylistics, Teddy Pendergrass, Phyllis Hyman, The Marvelettes, The Heatwave Band, Ray, Goodman & Brown The Shirelles, War, the O’Jays and The Whispers. Her voice has serenaded U.S soldiers with the USO in over 30 countries, from South Korea to Cuba.
Burton released her most recent album, “Passion and Pain.” In December 2017. She also received the key to Atlantic City by the Mayor Don Guardian, and was named an Atlantic City Hometown Hero.
The “Rainboots for Children” initiative is made possible by sponsors and dedicated supporters including the Shultz-Hill Foundation, Dr. Thomas Miller, Mayor Judy Ward of Pleasantville, Bloom Realty & Insurance, Pastor Ruby Fletcher, Berman Travel, Angel Grace Childcare, Joe Harris of Double Exposure, Kingdom Academy, and Peacie Lee ( niece of the Red Foxx) and more!
If you would like to support Burton and her charitable efforts, donations can be sent to the care of Angela Burton P.O Box 1678 Atlantic City, New Jersey 08404. Please make checks payable to Creative Multi Media.
