The Circle for Children

Established in 1927 as The Young Matrons’ Circle for Tallulah Falls School by the late Mrs. Preston Arkwright, Sr. and Mrs. John K. Ottley, The Circle was originally organized to give money to Tallulah Falls School in Tallulah Falls, Georgia, and emotional support to its students. This school began as a one room schoolhouse to educate rural mountain children.

In 1995, the membership voted to change its name to The Circle for Children. This change enabled the organization to expand its focus to serve other deserving children’s organizations, as well as to fund scholarships for graduating Tallulah Falls School students in need of financial aid for higher learning.

The Circle today carries on a rich tradition of giving aid and encouragement to disadvantaged children in Georgia. We are in the unique position to identify organizations in the Atlanta area which are serving the needs of at-risk youth. Our contributions help fill the gap between government and civic funding.

An additional benefit of the organization is the camaraderie and friendships built among members over the years. While working together in the spirit of volunteering, we have forged the bonds that sustain us as a committed, long-lasting charitable organization.

Did You Know?
The history of The Circle for Children is steeped in the traditions and cultural events of Atlanta.

The Circle’s Prospective New Member Party was featured in a 3-page article in the September 2000 Southern Living magazine.

The Circle was privileged to premiere I’d Climb the Highest Mountain, filmed in the North Georgia Mountains and produced by Lamar Trotti, who later established a scholarship fund in memory of his son to be used by a Tallulah Falls School graduate.

The Circle entertained Mrs. Frank Borman, wife of the astronaut, at the Piedmont Driving Club.

The Circle held the first event in John Portman’s Peachtree Plaza Grand Ballroom; opened the Top of the Mart and the Victorian Red Grand Ballroom at the Marriott.

The Circle sponsored the opening and dedication of Stone Acres Plantation at Stone Mountain Memorial Park. Butterfly “Prissy” McQueen of Gone With the Wind fame, was on hand for the opening.

The Circle sponsored fifteen Atlanta Horse Shows held in Piedmont Park and in Chastain Park; as well as undertook season ticket sales for “Theater-Under-the-Stars,” a summer series held in Chastain Amphitheater.

The Circle has participated in golf tournaments, both at Capital City Country Club and Atlanta Country Club. This included ticket sales and provision of on-course communications.