A Century of Caring: The Circle for Children Celebrates 100 Years

For 100 years, The Circle for Children has championed the education and well-being of Georgia’s most vulnerable children.

A century of volunteer service, philanthropy, and advocacy has helped The Circle for Children create brighter futures for Georgia’s most vulnerable children.

ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Circle for Children proudly announces its Centennial Celebration, marking 100 years of service to Georgia’s most vulnerable children. Since its founding in 1927, The Circle, one of Georgia’s oldest charitable women’s organizations, has remained steadfast in its mission to improve the lives of at-risk children through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy.

A milestone reached by only a small percentage of nonprofit organizations, a 100th anniversary represents far more than longevity. It reflects a century of community, trust, visionary leadership, dedicated volunteers, generous supporters, and an unwavering commitment to helping generations of children build brighter futures.

As a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization, The Circle for Children has raised millions of dollars and contributed countless volunteer hours to benefit children who have experienced abuse, neglect, poverty, and other significant hardships throughout Georgia.

"Celebrating 100 years is both a tremendous honor and a reminder of the responsibility we have to continue serving Georgia’s children," said Patricia Iaffaldano, President of The Circle for Children. "We proudly honor the generations of women whose compassion, leadership, and dedication built this remarkable organization. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to ensuring that our second century is just as impactful as our first."

A YEAR OF CELEBRATION AND SERVICE
The Centennial Year will feature a variety of volunteer projects, benefiting the organization’s current charitable partner, City of Refuge, along with member gatherings, sponsor events, and commemorative activities across Atlanta.

The celebration will culminate with a spectacular black-tie Centennial Gala on Saturday, February 27, 2027, at Cherokee Town and Country Club. The evening will include live and silent auctions, entertainment by Platinum Band, reflections on The Circle’s remarkable history, and exciting announcements about its future impact.

The Centennial theme, “Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future,” was selected by President Patricia Iaffaldano and her leadership team to recognize the organization’s rich legacy while reaffirming its commitment to serving Georgia’s children for generations to come. The gala is chaired by Betts Fisher and Cindy Samples.

CONTINUING A LEGACY OF HOPE
Proceeds from the Centennial celebration will benefit City of Refuge and the Linda Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Located on Atlanta’s Westside, City of Refuge is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families transition from crisis to stability. Through its comprehensive campus, the organization provides housing, health and wellness services, workforce development, education, youth programs, and family support, creating opportunities for lasting transformation in one of Atlanta’s most underserved communities.

In addition, The Circle will continue its long-standing tradition of investing in education through the Linda Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund, which has provided millions of dollars in scholarships to economically disadvantaged students across Georgia.

A CENTURY OF IMPACT
The Circle’s story began in 1927 when Mrs. Preston Arkwright and Mrs. John Ottley founded the Young Matrons Circle for Tallulah Falls School. Inspired by the educational needs of children in the mountains of North Georgia, they rallied support to provide opportunity and hope for students attending the area’s one-room schoolhouse.

As Georgia’s needs evolved, so did The Circle’s mission. In 1995, the organization became The Circle for Children, reflecting an expanded commitment to supporting children’s charities throughout the state.

Over the past century, The Circle has partnered with numerous organizations serving vulnerable youth, including Tallulah Falls School, My House, CHRIS Kids, Good Samaritan Health Center, the Center for Children & Young Adults, and today, City of Refuge.

As it celebrates its first 100 years, The Circle for Children remains focused on ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive: honoring a proud legacy while embracing an even brighter future.

CENTENNIAL HIGHLIGHTS
● Founded: 1927
● Celebrating: 100 Years of Service
● Organization: 100% Volunteer-Run 501(c)(3)
● Centennial Theme: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
● Entertainment: Platinum Band
● Beneficiaries: City of Refuge and the Linda Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund

ABOUT THE CIRCLE
Founded in 1927, The Circle for Children began with a mission to support children attending Tallulah Falls School, a one-room schoolhouse serving the rural mountains of North Georgia. Today, the organization is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving the lives of Georgia’s children through philanthropy, volunteer service, and educational scholarships.

Belinda Vogel or Danielle Houret-Lam
The Circle for Children, Inc.
communications@circle4children.org