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2026-2027 Executive Officers for The Circle for Children
We are excited for the new 2026-2027 Executive 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 Officers were approved by the Circle Executive Board and then by the members at large at our quarterly meeting on February 10th at Copeland’s Restaurant.
President: Pat Iaffaldano
President-Elect: Kimberly Passerella
VP’s, Fundraising (Gala chairs): Betts Fisher and Cindy Samples
VP, Auction: Melissa Strickland
VP, Membership: Martha Altierl
Treasurer: Kristin Harbison
Assistant Treasurer: Ruth Chitwood
Recording Secretary: Beth O’Donovan
Corresponding Secretary: Missy Malmberg
Advisory Council: Heather Rees, Chair
Six past Presidents will be serving the advisory committee: Susan Fulkerson, Polly Hogue,
Kristin Harbison, Belinda Vogel, Cindy Formica, Elaine LaMontagne along with Members at
Large: Danielle Houret-Lam, Sally Davis, Heather Rees, Jennie Johnson, Kimberly Johnson,
and Betts Fisher.
Please join us at the Spring General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, May 6th at Bey
Mediterranean Restaurant at 6:00 pm 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,
Polly Hogue
Chair of the Nominating Committee
| | Pilgrimage to Tallulah Falls School | | |
On March 5th, The Circle for Children had our yearly Pilgrimage to Tallulah Falls School. We were greeted by Jimmy Franklin, Dean of Students, who spent the day touring our group. He was not only our driver but expressed his appreciation for The Circle.
We were able to visit the Circle Building and auditorium, The Circle Chapel, and Aquatic Center. We visited the art room and other areas of the school that showed why the school has become one of the most prestigious schools for boarding of its kind.
We also were treated to lunch at the Middle School and a wonderful tea at Dr. Peevy’s home. Mrs. Peevy talked about the history of the school while Dr. Peevy expressed his sincere appreciation to The Circle for our years of continued involvement, especially in awarding scholarships to needy college-bound seniors.
Our new members now know where we were established as an organization and how we continue to make a mark on Tallulah Falls School. Our group included our current Co-President, Susan Fulkerson and a few other past presidents who saw their names on the Circle Building, a tradition we hope to continue through the years. Out of 12 attending, seven had never visited the school. They were so impressed and loved their special day.
We look forward to working with Tallulah Falls School for our 100th year celebration. It truly was a day to reflect and appreciate The Circle’s history and involvement and the school’s appreciation of the Circle.
| | Lighting the Way Gala Recap | | |
We are sincerely grateful for your attendance at the 2026 Lighting the Way Gala. Your support plays a vital role in advancing our mission to uplift and empower at-risk children throughout Georgia.
The evening brought together Circle members, friends, and supporters for a memorable celebration filled with connection, purpose, and generosity—all in support of creating brighter pathways for young people across our state.
Funds raised from this year’s gala will benefit the City of Refuge, an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families move from crisis to stability in one of Atlanta’s most underserved communities. Proceeds will also contribute to the Linda Gross Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides critical educational support to students striving to achieve their goals.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all that sponsored, donated auction items and volunteered. It takes a dedicated community and countless helping hands to bring an event like this to life, and we are truly appreciative of everyone who contributed their time, talent, and resources to make the gala such a success.
We are incredibly thankful for the strong turnout and the shared commitment demonstrated by everyone in attendance. It is through the dedication of compassionate individuals like you that meaningful progress is made and lives are transformed.
With appreciation,
Mary Beth Wegener & Susan Fulkerson
Co - Presidents
Polly Hogue & Ruth Chitwood
Lighting the Way Gala Co - Chairs
Sarah Candeto
Auction Chair
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Here are the instructions for ordering photos from Meer Photography.
1. Open the gallery by clicking on the button above.
2. Click the shop icon in top right corner
3. Select the type of print you are interested in buying
4. Select the size and material
5. Select the photos you are interested in purchasing
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The Circle for Children Centennial
The Circle Centennial Committee is looking for Circle members who have any connections in the media world. We are looking to pitch some stories about our amazing 100-year history and would love the help in connecting with print, digital or television media. If you have an, please share it with us by emailing Danielle Houret-Lam or Belinda Vogel
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It’s Time to start Rounding Up our Members from over years past that were a Big Part of our 99 year Circle history! As we count down to our 100 year Jubilee in 2027!
Over the next 2 years we would like to keep our past Circle members in the loop and it would be awesome to add these ladies to our newsletter. Let’s create a Big On-going Reunion of Circle ladies past, present and future!
Make a list of your favorites...I need names including cell # and email so we can start lassoing them back into The Circle!! Forward this newsletter and tell them to contact me!! Even if they have moved out of town...We want these ladies to Circle back and we don’t want to have to send a posse after them!!
Please forward contacts to Jennie Johnson at 678-595-7064 or jjjohnson8090@yahoo.com.
Jennie Johnson & Peggy Fulghum
Centennial History & Outreach Co-Chairs
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Our recent Intro to Mahjong social was such a hit that it sparked something special! A growing group of members now gathers twice a month to play, connect, and enjoy this timeless game together.
It’s been wonderful to see new friendships form and skills grow around the table—proof that a great event can turn into a lasting community tradition.
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Volunteer Event - Spring Fling
Please join us at the upcoming City of Refuge Volunteer Event - Spring Fling on Friday, April 10th from 10am - 1pm. This event requires a background check so please click below to register and complete that step.
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Help Us Find Our Next Charity Beneficiary
While 2027/2028 might feel like a long way off, the Long-Range Planning committee is
getting an early start, so we have plenty of time to explore, learn about, and connect
with some amazing charities—and we would love your help!
That’s right, we are already gearing up to select a charity to support as our next
beneficiary, and we know there are so many incredible organizations out there doing
meaningful work. Our intent is to partner with an Atlanta-based organization that is
making a genuine, positive impact on underserved children. We are interested in
charities that support youth through education, mentorship, access to basic needs, or
programs that promote health and well-being. Organizations that demonstrate
transparency, effectiveness, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of children
in underserved communities are our goal.
If you have a charity that you are passionate about or have seen make a difference
firsthand, we encourage you to share your recommendation with us. Please include the
name of the organization, contact information, a brief description of its work, and any
personal insights or reasons why you believe it would be a strong beneficiary. Please
send all recommendations to Danielle Houret-Lam.
If you are interested in joining Long-Range Planning, please also contact Danielle at the
same email address!
| | If your birthday is not in the Circle directory, please email Martha Altieri. | |  | |
Access the Directory online!
The membership directory of active Circle members can now be viewed on our website. For the privacy of all members, the directory is password protected. You may access the directory under the membership tab on the website. A printed copy of the directory is available upon request.
Directory Password: Circle1927!
| | | Follow us on social media and help us spread the word about The Circle for Children! | | | |
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.
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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.
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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.
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The Circle for Children | circle4children.org | |
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