Were you under the impression that Curves was just a fitness chain for women? It's also a medium for its CEO, Gary Heavin, to spread the Gospel and donate money to the anti-choice group, Operation Save America.
Some customers might not be comfortable with the fusion of theology and fitness. ``We get a lot of heat because we're so expressive of our faith, and we encourage our faith,'' Heavin says. Such expressions include Christian music that his wife produces, and articulated Judeo-Christian values in Heavin's newest book, ``Curves: Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting'' ($23.95, Penguin/Putnam Publishing).
Heavin's philanthropy reflects his deep beliefs. For example, he gives to pregnancy centers supported by Operation Save America, the anti-abortion group whose purpose, according to its Web site, ``unashamedly takes up the cause of preborn children in the name of Jesus Christ.''
He does more than "give to pregnancy centers". According to this gushing tribute on the Operation Save America website, he used his influence to send charity money raised by a local Race for a Cure to a Christian health organization as opposed to Planned Parenthood:
Obviously, Mr. Heavin went way beyond just exercising his considerable influence. He stepped up to the plate in a major way. As a result, no longer can Planned Parenthood claim the high moral ground that has deceived the masses by stating they provide services for women that nobody else does. No longer will women be enslaved to receiving "health care" from an odious organization that kills children, spreads immorality, and has provided a safe haven for pedophiles that prey upon our daughters. Mr. Heavin has removed the mask of legitimacy from Planned Parenthood and is helping to make their "services" obsolete."
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