The Circle for Children marks 100 years of service in Georgia

The Circle for Children is celebrating its centennial in 2026, marking a century of volunteer service, philanthropy and advocacy for vulnerable children across Georgia. The milestone includes a year of events in Atlanta and a black-tie gala in February 2027, with proceeds supporting City of Refuge and a scholarship fund.

Why it matters: - The Circle for Children has spent 100 years funding services and scholarships for Georgia children facing abuse, neglect, poverty and other hardships. - The centennial underscores how long-running volunteer nonprofits can build sustained support for children’s education, health and stability. - Proceeds from the celebration will support City of Refuge and the Linda Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund.

What happened: - The Circle for Children announced its Centennial Celebration on Sept. 16, 2026, in Atlanta. - The organization is marking 100 years since its founding in 1927. - The Circle for Children is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) and one of Georgia’s oldest charitable women’s organizations. - Patricia Iaffaldano, president of The Circle for Children, said the anniversary is both an honor and a responsibility to keep serving Georgia’s children.

The details: - The Centennial Year will include volunteer projects, member gatherings, sponsor events and commemorative activities across Atlanta. - Current volunteer efforts will benefit City of Refuge, The Circle for Children’s charitable partner during the centennial year. - The celebration will culminate with a black-tie Centennial Gala on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027, at Cherokee Town and Country Club. - The gala will feature live and silent auctions, entertainment by Platinum Band and announcements about future plans. - The centennial theme is “Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future.” - Betts Fisher and Cindy Samples are chairing the gala. - Proceeds from the centennial celebration will also support the Linda Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund. - The scholarship fund has provided millions of dollars in scholarships to economically disadvantaged students across Georgia.

Between the lines: - The centennial gives The Circle for Children a chance to spotlight both its history and its current fundraising pipeline. - The organization’s evolution from a local school support group to a statewide children’s charity shows how its mission expanded as Georgia’s needs changed. - City of Refuge brings a broader wraparound-services model to the celebration, adding housing, health, workforce development, education and family support to the mix. - The gala and yearlong events are as much about sustaining donor engagement as marking a milestone.

What's next: - The Circle for Children will continue centennial activities throughout the year leading up to the Feb. 27, 2027 gala. - The organization will keep supporting City of Refuge and education funding through the Linda Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund. - The Circle for Children said it remains focused on serving Georgia’s children in its second century.

The bottom line: - After 100 years, The Circle for Children is using its centennial to celebrate its past and raise money for its next chapter.