Welcome to the 2026 Denim to Diamonds Fundraising Gala—an evening where blue jeans meet black tie, generosity meets purpose, and an entire community comes together to change the lives of animals and the families who love them.

This is more than a celebration of what HELP Spay Neuter Clinic has accomplished—it is a tribute to the people, partnerships, and compassion that have made those accomplishments possible.

As we celebrate another year of growth, we also pause to honor the memory of Dr. Rick Berta, whose passing in January left an immeasurable void throughout our community. Dr. Berta and his beloved wife, Susie, were steadfast supporters of HELP from the very beginning. As a trusted advisor to our Board of Directors, Dr. Berta generously shared his knowledge, experience, and DEA registration to strengthen our mission. More importantly, he was a cherished friend whose kindness touched countless people and animals. His legacy continues to inspire the work we do every day.

That legacy has propelled us into an extraordinary year of growth. Throughout 2026, HELP has expanded services, strengthened professional mentorship, forged statewide partnerships, and broadened our impact across 16 Georgia counties.

Since opening our doors in September 2010, HELP Spay Neuter Clinic has performed more than 90,000 spay/neuter surgeries. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we depend on grants, donations, and community support to provide affordable veterinary care. While our clinic is located in Coweta County, our reach extends far beyond our walls through our shelter and rescue partnerships and our transport program, the Snip Ship, serving pet owners throughout Butts, Carroll, Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Haralson, Harris, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson counties. By following the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance National Spay Neuter Response Team (NSNRT) model, we safely perform up to 40 surgeries per surgeon each day.

This year also marked an important milestone as Dr. Kathryn Haines celebrated six years with HELP. Beyond the thousands of patients she has cared for, Dr. Haines has become a leader in veterinary mentorship, helping train and inspire fellow veterinarians while expanding access to high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter services throughout Georgia.

We were equally excited to welcome Dr. Michelle Belikova, whose arrival represents an exciting new chapter for HELP. Her expertise builds upon the strong foundation of veterinary excellence established since our clinic opened in 2010.

HELP's impact extends beyond the walls of our clinic through an exceptional network of veterinarians who generously donate their expertise on surgery days. We are grateful for the dedication of Dr. Casey Schiavone, Dr. Lauren Roberts, Dr. Amanda Schmidt, Dr. Greena Kim, Dr. Albert Byas, Dr. James Thorsen, Dr. Emily Benson, Dr. Melissa Johnson, Dr. Ashley MacDonald, Dr. Kathryn Lee, and Dr. Megan Duvall. Together, their commitment allows HELP to meet the growing demand for affordable, high-quality spay/neuter services while advancing our mission to reduce pet overpopulation. Our commitment to community health extends well beyond the operating room. Throughout the year, Dr. Melissa Boehmann, Dr. Jose Feneque, Dr. Alicia Moon, and many other dedicated veterinarians have generously worked alongside the HELP team during our community vaccine clinics. Together, they have helped keep thousands of pets healthy by providing vaccinations, diagnostic testing, parasite prevention, and client education. Their partnership and expertise have expanded access to preventive veterinary care, strengthened the human-animal bond, and improved the health of pets and the communities we proudly serve.

On May 30, HELP hosted five veterinarians for an intensive hands-on surgical training laboratory designed to expand experience in high-volume spay/neuter medicine. Led by Dr. Kathryn Haines and Dr. Mary-Elizabeth Ellard, the training was conducted in partnership with United Spay Alliance, Georgia Pet Coalition, and Butts Mutts. By investing in veterinary education and mentorship, we are helping build the next generation of surgeons who will carry this lifesaving work into communities across Georgia. Plans are already underway for another training event later this year.

Collaboration remains at the heart of everything we do. This year, HELP Director Cindy Leopard joined the Georgia Companion Animal Network, a coalition of leaders from animal welfare organizations, municipal animal control agencies, law enforcement, veterinary medicine, and statewide advocacy groups. Together, these professionals are sharing resources, identifying service gaps, strengthening partnerships, and developing practical, humane solutions that reduce shelter intake, prevent unwanted litters, expand access to spay/neuter services, and lessen the need for euthanasia throughout Georgia.

By combining exceptional veterinary care with education, collaboration, and innovative community partnerships, HELP continues to create healthier pets, stronger families, and brighter futures for communities across our state.

We invite you to enjoy great food, wonderful friends, exciting auction items, and plenty of sparkle—but most importantly, thank you for investing in a future where every donation helps save lives, prevent suffering, and create lasting change.

So dust off your denim, shine your diamonds, and celebrate with us as we continue building a more compassionate tomorrow—one pet, one family, and one community at a time.

📅 September 19, 2026 | 5:00 PM
📍 The Newnan Centre, 1515 Lower Fayetteville Rd, Newnan, GA 30265
🎭 Attire: Anything from Denim to Diamonds

Together, let’s make a difference—one pet at a time.

Denim to Diamonds: Second Annual Fundraising Gala

Team Members