Owner of Large US 'Curves' Fitness Chain Attacked for Contributing to Pro-Life Cause

Life Site News ^ | 4-30-04

[truthandlife]

A successful Christian business owner has come under attack by feminist extremists for using his profits to support pro-life charities.

Gary Heavin, the owner of a chain of extremely successful health and fitness centres for women, is a born-again Christian who gives 10% of his gross annual income to charities. Heavin is also the author of two books on fitness that take a Christian approach. His wife, Diana produces Christian music. Curves fitness centres cater particularly to middle-aged women who may be intimidated by other more youth-oriented fitness venues.

Curves franchises have surpassed Starbucks in numbers in the United States and are closing on McDonalds with sales that have hit $750 million a year. Heavin chooses to support the pro-life movement and that has elicited a powerful response from some feminist organizations and writers. We get a lot of heat because we're so expressive of our faith, and we encourage our faith,'' Heavin says.

In a vitriolic article in the San Francisco Chronicle, Heavin's contributions are described in terms often employed for supporters of terrorist organizations. He is accused of supporting Operation Save America that "blamed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on God's retribution for abortions and whose purpose, as described on its Web site, is to 'unashamedly take up the cause of pre-born children in the name of Jesus Christ.'" The implication strongly appears to be that, if a successful business owner gives money to charity, he may not support organizations that oppose the feminist pro-abortion agenda.

A quick search on Google reveals that Heavin has come under fire from a phalanx of feminist writers in magazines such as "Bitch" and on listserves and weblogs where he is variously called a "pro-life-deadbeat-dad" and accused of the crime of supporting "fake pregnancy crisis centres." Some writers speak of "sounding the alarm" on Heavin's activities in a tone that suggests that to give money to the pro-life cause is tantamount to terrorism or conspiracy.

Annie Lamott, a feminist writer, said of the Curves franchises, "I hate the idea that this right-wing fundamentalist is making a profit on these places that make it easy for women to exercise. I don't see how, in good conscience, someone like me, a staunch feminist and progressive, can in any way contribute to any organization that undermines women's rights."

"It seems everything is tolerated except the Christian, and that's a tragedy because of the need to put values in our boardrooms and classrooms," Heavin says.

Read about Heavin's success story: http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2004 /001/3.30.html

San Francisco Chronicle article: http://www.sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi ?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/04/29/EDGA B6C1IO1.DTL

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[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

Now that's a good-lookin' dog!

[O.C. - Old Cracker]

[AnAmericanMother]

Now that's a good-lookin' dog!

Thanks. Unfortunately she knows it and uses it to her advantage. At the dog trials this Saturday, she would go up to perfect strangers, tilt her head sideways with a melting look, and then go into "down" and put her head on their shoe.

She knows perfectly well that people at dog trials almost always have a few treats in their pocket and are suckers for little Chocolate Labs with soft brown eyes.

[fortunecookie]

I was just thinking the same thing!

[scan58]

Which ng?

[RepubMommy]

"I hate the idea that this right-wing fundamentalist is making a profit on these places that make it easy for women to exercise. I don't see how, in good conscience, someone like me, a staunch feminist and progressive, can in any way contribute to any organization that undermines women's rights."

Simple then. Don't exericse regularly and strive to have the physique of Rosie ODonell. Its par for the course.

[xsmommy]

yeah, it's always the right thing if THEY are doing it, but completely unreasonable if the right does it. RME.

[cupcakes]

I could not look that long--all I noticed was frizz coming out of braids that looked like they haven't had a good washing or brushing in months.

[cupcakes]

Thanks for the warning. I'll pass on the article. Usually I am not surprised by what is in it. Been said before by the same type of person.

[cupcakes]

I was too, but I will say there is probably some vitriol in her heart towards the fit all American woman who actually washes and brushes her hair daily. Many of these gals seem to make every attempt to be the exact opposite of what is considered attractive in this country.

[gathersnomoss]

Nahnu..Nahnu..

[cupcakes]

They have a lot of curves franchises here in central OH. I know there are more, but there are two within 3 miles of my house in opposite directions.

[cupcakes]

I guess she lives in her own socialist paradise where private enterprise no longer exists...LOL, what a maroon.

[cupcakes]

Yup, and Hobby Lobby is bold enough to put a sign on the door saying they are closed on Sundays so that their employees may worship or spend time with their families. Oh, the humanity...

[Enduring Freedom]

Heavin is a good man, and his success is deserved.

Encourage your friends and family to support the Curves franchise organization.

Good people deserve our business.

[cupcakes]

LOL
Beautiful pooch btw.

[ArrogantBustard]

If I may be permitted an opinion ...

White gals shouldn't wear dreadlocks.

[LauraJean]

I think it already has been smacked with a frying pan. The frightening thing is that Ms Lamott probably thinks she is one hot chick. I can only assume she keeps her ''girlish''
looks by anorexic or bulimic behavior.

[Proud 2BeTexan]

Curves is a very openly Christian business. The book that you get when you join is filled with scriptures. He doesn't hide it at all. The one I go to plays Christian music. It just KILLS the feminists that so many WOMEN have NO problem with Christians, or the pro-life movement, and are pro-life THEMSELVES!!! I support Curves BECAUSE they are Christian, so their nastiness just makes me feel even better about my choice!