The Circle for Children

Our Heritage

Georgia’s children are among its most precious assets, and no one knows this better than The Circle For Children. The Circle has contributed to worthy children’s organizations for more than 70 years.

The Circle’s Long Range Planning Committee periodically reviews the organizations that reflect the purpose of the Circle’s charter of helping at risk-children in Georgia. Organizations such as Tallulah Falls School, The Bridge, My House and The Good Samaritan Clinic have benefited from our contributions. This year we will be contributing to The CENTER for Children and Young Adults (CCYA).  The Center operates long term shelter programs for children and youth.

Fund-raising is accomplished by The Circle for Children through various means.

Corporate Donations: Major sponsors have included such organizations as the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Gas Light Co., Bank South, Keogler Investment Advisory Services, Inc, Southern Company, UPS, and Samples Construction Co., and many other outstanding companies in Georgia.

Annual Charity Ball and Silent Auction: A Circle tradition since its inception, this fabulous night of entertainment is our major fund- raiser.

Special Projects: We have provided staffing for golf tournaments and other community events. We have also published and distributed Southern Occasions, “Culinary Classics”, and an 18-month calendar.

Scholarships: Funds are raised annually to support underprivileged college bound students. These students would not have an opportunity for higher education without scholarships from the Circle.

Membership Donations: Demonstrating a strong support of our organization, Circle members and their families have given generously throughout our history.

Foundations: Both public and private foundations have donated to the Circle.

Involvement:  Members of The Circle for Children participate in fall, winter and spring general meetings and luncheons at favorite Atlanta restaurants and clubs.

A New Members Party takes place in the fall and also a New Members Orientation. Our members take on site field trips to CHRIS Kids so they can learn first hand the needs of the children we sponsor. Committees are formed to support and provide services for these children.

Our Annual Ball and Auction in the spring is our biggest fund-raiser and almost every member is involved in some way through donations of silent auction items, planning committees, ticket sales, etc.

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 bond that sustains us as a dedicated, long-lasting charitable organization. Our over 300 members are united and committed to reaching outside our Circle to promote the education and welfare of children in need.

Download a .pdf copy of our Bylaws

NOTEWORTHY:

In 2009, Shirley Whitmire, Ball Chair, presented THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN with a check for more than $105,000 from our Annual Ball and Auction entitled "Carnavale - a night in Venice."

In 2008, Circle Ball Chair, Cindy Samples presented the Center for Children & Young Adults a check for $145,000 from our Annual Ball and Auction Event entitled "Jewel of the Nile."

In 2007, Clarice Dowdle, Ball Chair, presented CHRIS Kids, Inc. a check for $100,000 from our Annual Ball and Auction Event entitled "Denim and Diamonds."

In 2006, Circle Ball Chair, Shirley Whitmire presented CHRIS Kids, Inc. a check for $90,000 from our Annual Ball and Auction Event entitled "You Oughta Be in Pictures."

WHAT NEXT? 

  This year, we are offering TWO fundraising events to benefit CCYA.

We need your help we to be able to reach our goals!!!