NATCHEZ &045;&045; A trip to Natchez to spend time with &uot;the kids&uot; is something Gary Heavin looks forward to every year.

The avid balloonist and founder and CEO of Curves for Women not only takes part in the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, he also visits with the residents at the Natchez Children’s Home.

Heavin, who visited the local Curves franchise Friday morning, said he enjoys the hospitality Natchez provides visitors to the balloon race. &uot;This area of the world is so hospitable,&uot; Heavin said. &uot;We just love coming here.&uot;

But he has also been providing financial and emotional support to the children’s home for years.

&uot;I put my money where my mouth is,&uot; said Heavin, a pro-life advocate who always encourages Curves franchises to give back to the communities in which they are located.

Over the years, Heavin has given back to the children’s home in many ways. He helped replace the home’s roof, and each year he and his wife, Diane, send Christmas presents to the residents. Heavin calls the children’s home his wife’s &uot;special project.&uot;

This morning, as they have for several years, Heavin and other associates from Curves will take the children on a motorcycle ride through the streets of Natchez.

&uot;Our goal is to help people,&uot; Heavin said. &uot;We’re fortunate to have the means to do that.&uot;

Heavin, who said he founded Curves to help keep women healthy and give them a place to exercise among only women, encourages franchises to give back, too.

&uot;We have a standing offer that if (franchises) raise money for something in their community, we match the first $1,000,&uot; he said.

With 8,350 franchises worldwide, that’s a big investment in many communities.

Local Curves owner Delores Lindsey said it was nice to have the CEO visit the club and visit with individual members Friday.

&uot;For him to be here and meet our members and give them support and encouragement is really wonderful,&uot; she said. &uot;His belief and his vision is really about women being healthy. It’s a way of life.&uot;