If you missed last season of the hit ABC television show Secret Millionaire, you missed an opportunity to learn more about Gary and
Diane Heavin. On the show, this married couple lived on just $6.50 each day
while residing in a one-bedroom apartment in the poverty-stricken Third Ward in
Houston. This was very different from the lavish surroundings these self-made
millionaires were used to but it was worth it.
The couple was in Houston to identify local community
organizations in need of funding and boy did they. After revealing who they
were at the end of the show, the Heavins found three worthy organizations, donating
a total of $410,000 of their personal money. An organization for children of
incarcerated parents called No More Victims, the wellness-focused Lazarus
House, and an autistic children’s residence called the Sean Ashley House were
the lucky recipients.
Such a generous donation leads people to wonder how this
couple got so wealthy. Ever heard of Curves, the female workout facility? Well,
the Heavins are the brains behind this global franchise. They opened their
first Curves club back in 1992 in the small Texas town of Harlingen. To their
delight, it was a success so they tried their hand at running a second club. It
too proved successful and the Heavins decided they must be on to something.
The problem was that there were millions of women looking
for a comfortable and inspiring place to exercise. The Heavins knew they could
not help everyone in their target audience without assistance. Therefore, they
decided to get help in the form of franchise owners. In 1995, the Texas city of
Paris became the site of the first Curves under independent ownership and
operation. The idea took off like wildfire and franchisors were soon opening
Curves throughout the nation.
Curves was soon the fastest growing franchise style business
in history. After writing a New York
Times bestselling book regarding the development of their company, the
Heavins surprised everyone by taking Curves international. Today, the nearly
10,000 clubs are spread over 70-plus countries. The company is now the largest
global fitness franchise and the Heavins have assumed a permanent spot in
history as express fitness innovators. The couple has achieved more than they
ever dreamed of but they have not forgotten their humble beginnings.
The Heavins remember what it was like to struggle
financially as new entrepreneurs. They also understand the importance of
giving. They are regarded as huge philanthropists, providing money for adoption
services, family abuse prevention efforts, health awareness and healthcare for
females, and more. Each year, Curves holds a food drive that provides millions
of pounds of food to families in need.
This couple wants each Curves franchise owner to be as
giving as they are. The Charity Match program established by Curves
International encourages franchise owners to give back locally. In the meantime,
the Heavins continue their efforts with activities like building homes through
Habitat for Humanity and flying doctors and supplies to the natural
disaster-ravaged country of Haiti.
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