The Circle for Children
Est. 1923
The Circle for Children is reported to be the longest running women’s charity for children in the state of Georgia. Operating continuously since 1927, we have a rich tradition of financial giving and personal encouragement to disadvantaged youth throughout metro Atlanta and Georgia.
  • This 100% volunteer organization has contributed millions of dollars in aid and scholarships, as well as countless hours of hands-on service to youth who have suffered abuse, neglect and abandonment.
  • The monetary donations we provide help fill the gap between government and civic funding.
  • Our leaders organize fundraising events and charitable efforts as well as social gatherings to forge long term bonds among the membership – enhancing the Circle’s outstanding history and legacy.
  • The Circle is a registered 501(c)3 organization.
Most of the funds raised by the Circle are generated through a major event planned throughout a year’s time and held during the spring – from black-tie galas, artsy cocktail parties or other unique fundraising gatherings at fun venues.
  • Typically, there is live music with dancing, silent and live auctions, creative dinners and libations and other festive activities befitting the event theme and location. It’s always a “must do” on the calendar! 
  • Other fundraising events that are commonly on the Circle schedule include golf tournaments, 5K runs, purse auctions and the selling of unique commemorative items benefiting the cause.
Our History
Since 1927, the women of the Circle for Children have dedicated themselves to giving financial and personal assistance to at-risk youth in Georgia. “The Young Matrons Circle for Tallulah Falls School” was established when the late Mrs. Preston Arkwright and Mrs. John Ottley left the heat of Atlanta to visit their summer cottages in the North Georgia mountains. There they became acquainted with the one room school house founded and owned by the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1909.
  • Determined to make a difference in the lives of the rural mountain children attending the school, The Circle joined forces with the GaFWC to raise funds for Tallulah Falls School.
  • The Young Matrons Circle was ahead of its time in fundraising, in 1934 for the 25th anniversary of the school, the senior class sent their first Jubilee gift of $25 to the school trustees with the suggestion that “all friends of Tallulah make gifts this year in units of $25.”
  • Members of the Young Matrons Circle took the seniors’ challenge to heart and raised $25,000 for the Jubilee, a significant amount for 1934.
In 1995 the membership voted to change its name to The Circle for Children and to expand its fundraising and support to other deserving children’s charities in the state of Georgia.