April 2025 Newsletter

To give aid and encouragement and promote the education and welfare of at-risk children in the State of Georgia.

Dear Circle Family,

Thank you for attending the 98th Annual Circle for Children Fundraiser. We are so grateful for your support for our mission to give aid and encouragement in promoting the education and well-being of at-risk children in the state of Georgia.

Circle members and their guests enjoyed the evening, explored over 85 games, and PLAYED IT FORWARD for Georgia’s youth!

The proceeds from our ANNUAL Fundraiser will benefit The City of Refuge, which helps individuals and families transition out of crisis in one of Atlanta’s most historic—and most challenged—neighborhoods, where nearly 40% of residents live below the poverty line. Funds will also support the Linda Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides educational assistance to deserving students pursuing brighter futures.

On behalf of myself, Fundraiser Chair, Mary Beth Wegener and Auction Chair, Sterling Lanken, we were overwhelmed with the turn out. When like-minded community members, organizations, and volunteers come together, amazing things can happen!

With gratitude,

Polly Hogue

President 2001–2002 & 2024–2025

Mary Beth Wegener

Annual Fundraiser Chair and Past President

Sterling Lanken

Auction Chair

Join Us at Zakia for our last General Meeting of the Year!

Zakia

3699 Lenox Road NE Ste 3

Atlanta, GA 30305

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

11am-1pm

Cost $40

RSVP and Pay online

May General Meeting

Contact Lynn Thompson @ bltonpv@gmail.com for mail-in payment options

2026-2026 Slate of Officers

We’re thrilled to share the 2025–2026 Slate of Officers for The Circle for Children! A huge thank you to everyone who said “yes” to serving—your leadership and time are what keeps the Circle strong and thriving.

The slate has been approved by the Circle Executive Board and is now being shared with the membership at large for approval.

If you have any questions or thoughts to share, we’d love to hear from you. This incredible group of women brings a mix of experience, fresh energy, and dedication to our mission—we can’t wait to see what the next year holds! If we don’t hear from you, no action is needed and we’ll happily consider your approval granted.

We proudly present the following slate:

Presidents: Susan Fulkerson & Mary Beth Wegener

President-Elect: Pat Iaffaldano

VPs, Fundraising (Gala Chairs): Polly Hogue & Ruth Chitwood

VP, Auction: Sarah Candeto

VP, Membership: Martha Alteri

General Treasurer: Cindy Formica

Project Treasurer: Kristin Harbison

Recording Secretary: Sarah Davis

Corresponding Secretary: Missy Malmberg

Advisory Council: Heather Rees, Chair

Members at Large: Sally Davis, Betts Fisher, Pat Iaffaldano, Jennie Johnson and Elaine LaMontagne

Please join us at the Spring General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, May 7 at Zakia Lebanese Restaurant at 11:00 am to celebrate and officially install our new board!

Thank you again to the Nominating Committee and to all our members who continue to step up and support The Circle. Here's to another wonderful year ahead!

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Harbison

Chair of the Nominating Committee

PAST PRESIDENTS' DEDICATION

On Saturday, March 8th, The CFC was honored to present an updated plaque to 12 of our Past Presidents. A welcome and school tour was done by Jimmy Franklin, Tallulah Falls School Dean of Students. Peggy Fulghum, ordained minister, did our Inspiration. Rita Furness, Jenny Johnson and Peggy reviewed our rich history at Tullulah Falls. Polly Hogue did the Presentation of all our Past Presidents in attendance. A rose was presented to each president. The school hosted a brunch to the 30+ members that were in attendance, followed by a school tour with highlights of The Circle Chapel.

The following 12 Past President were added to the plaque:

Linda Pace, Kim Sherk, Betts Fisher, Heather Rees, Shirley Jones, Sally Davis, Julia Barwick, Kimberly Johnson, Elaine LaMontagne, Cindy Formica, Belinda Vogel, and Kristen Harbison.

I would like to thank Janie Kissling, Rita Furness and Tullulah Falls for helping accomplish this needed update to our Circle building on campus. A thank you to Gordan Miller and Steven Stuk for driving members to the event.

We are planning to have a yearly pilgrimage to the school and continue to honor our heritage. This is a must see if you are a Circle Member. The school is such a tribute to those who have come before us.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Thompson

Tullulah Plaque Project Chairman

Volunteer Opportunity at the City of Refuge

Join in the fun by helping the kids paint flowerpots and plant seeds!

City of Refuge

Monday, April 7, 2025

10:00-1:00PM

Spring Fling

Directory Updates

The directory has been updated with all new member information.

If you prefer a hard copy versus using the online version,

contact Kristen Harbison at

kristinlgross@gmail.com

As a reminder you can access the membership directory at

www.circle4children.org/directory

Password Circle1927!

Teresa Lemmy- April 2

Wilma Bunch - April 4

Susan Grant- April 8

Carol Carr- April 11

Cynthia Barr- April 12

Nitza Lamas- April 13

Lynn Thompson- April 13

Bonnie Mann- April 14

Elaine LaMontagne- April 19

Lucy Dorris- April 22

Summer Gross- April 25

If your birthday (month and day) is not in the new Circle directory, please email that information. We would love to acknowledge that special day.

Circle Celebration Fund

Can't think of a gift for a friend? Consider donating to the Circle Celebration Fund in their name. A lovely acknowledgment will be sent to the honoree informing them of the donation you made in their name. Please contact thecircle4children@gmail.com if you would like to donate.

Circle Correspondence

Please send any Circle Correspondence to thecircle4children@gmail.com for announcements of births, loss of loved ones, outstanding events or illnesses. Please include the individual's address so the corresponding secretary can send the appropriate correspondence. Also, indicate if the information should be posted in the newsletter.

Kroger Community Rewards will donate a portion of your grocery purchase total to The Circle for Children.Please sign up for a Kroger Card the next time you're grocery shopping and link it to The Circle for Children.

To link your Kroger card go to www.kroger.com and login to access "My Account". Under "Community" select "Community Awards" then click the "link card" button. Then, search for "The Circle for Children" or enter number, CX636. You can also call Kroger at 1-800-562-4438 and they will sign you up over the phone.

The Circle for Children | circle4children.org