NATION – Although Curves is known for catering toward fitness for women, centers across the nation are losing pounds and gaining money for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The founders of Curves International, Gary Heavin and his wife Diane, have decided to match every dollar donated, up to $1,000, at each Curves location.

Curves holds the Guinness World Record as “The world’s largest fitness center franchise” with 9,000 franchises internationally. But, if each of the 92 Alabama branches raises the $1,000 maximum, the Heavins will give an additional $92,000 to the relief effort.

“It’s a great was to make your one dollar equal two,” Janet Hunt, owner of Curves in Selma and Demopolis. “This is an opportunity to make your money go further.”

Curves owners were given the option to participate in the program and Hunt has both of her businesses taking advantage of the opportunity.

“I wanted to do something myself and I would’ve made a donation on my own,” she said. “But then I found out about this and I wanted to share it with my members.”

This is not the first time Curves International has donated money to a cause.

According to Hunt, the corporation has matched donations for the American Cancer Society in the past, as well.

“I think it’s wonderful. They are a good family,” Hunt said. “They are wealthy and they want to share it.”

The last day to donate to Curves across the nation will be September 22, then the money will be sent to Red Cross shelters and hospitals.

Hunt said she has a few hundred dollars in both locations and hopes the donations will be enough to stretch beyond food and clothes.