Carol Machiz – The Talent of Generosity

Carol and Bob Machiz graced the cover of Frontdoors News on May 2006.  Carol will always be remembered for her prominent support of so many Valley charities.  We thought it would be a wonderful tribute to rerun the cover editorial that was written in April 2006 by Megan Will.
It is true that many fabulous Phoenicians have a flair for giving to those less fortunate. But few possess the pizzazz of the Machizes, who always give with kindness and liberality, never failing to charm along the way.
Carole and Bob Machiz met on New Years Eve in 1990 when Bob threw a wild party and Carole was brought as his date. Although there wasn’t an instant attraction, they sat and talked later in the evening, and found their interests were certainly aligned. “I knew I had met a really fun lady,” says Bob, “and it was a serendipitous meeting for me in many ways.” They married soon after and, 15 years later, their bond is still strong. “I just love him,” says Carole, “When I met him, all my dreams came true.”
Bob was born, raised and educated in Brooklyn, New York. An astute and insightful businessman, Bob noticed the trend in women joining weight-loss clinics and was intrigued by the industry. His curiosity was further piqued when his late first wife joined Weight Watchers in New York in the early 1960s. “I saw how much success she had found on the diet,” says Bob. “I was shocked at how well it worked.”
From that point, Bob was determined to make Weight Watchers his next business venture, but found the only franchises available for purchase were in Minnesota and Arizona. “For a Brooklyn boy, the decision was simple,” says Bob. “I wanted the sun.” Bob moved to Phoenix in 1967 and began his new venture as the CEO of Weight Watchers of Arizona. For Bob, his business experience has made him a tireless supporter of charity, due to the fact he can offer so many unique skills, as well as the requisite financial support. “Bob has such a strong sense of generosity,” says Carole, “He wouldn’t turn down a soul.”
For the Machizes, their philanthropic works are their new career and their shared passion. “Bob and I take such pleasure in supporting the community of Phoenix,” says Carole, “and it has been so much fun to watch our city grow up.” Their deep connection with the city itself seems to be the dominant motivation to be constant contributors to many charitable efforts within the Valley. Spending time with the Machizes certainly makes it clear that they are a couple devoted to generosity—not just of the wallet, but most importantly of the heart and spirit as well.

Starring Carole…
Carole Machiz was born in sun- and star-drenched Los Angeles, and it seems she has always been destined to follow in the footsteps of the Hollywood luminaries from her birthplace. “I’ve been star and stagestruck for as long as I can remember,” laughs Carole. Although she always supports as many women and children’s charities as possible, she is also passionate about protecting and promoting the arts. Her support of the Phoenix Theatre is not only financial—she often takes a starring role in their first-class productions. Since her stage debut in 2003, she has acted in Chicago, Cabaret and Will Rogers Follies and will also appear in the upcoming production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.
With her love of performing, it is easy to see why Carole was absolutely thrilled when her husband presented her with the opportunity to foray into television as well. Bob purchased a Desperate Housewives walk-on for his wife at a charity auction. Carole was treated to lunch on the set, an opportunity to meet all of her co-stars and a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment on the show (aired in February 2006) when she took her own turn down the infamous Wisteria Lane. “Truly just to die for,” says Carole, “especially for a star fanatic like me.”
 
Philanthropy Favorites
Bob and Carole Machiz designate their philanthropies of choice with strict criteria. “I always make sure that, number one, the charity is worthy and, number two, that it is innovative,” says Bob. Carole agrees, but also provides her own standard. “I make sure it’s fun,” she says. “I want to work with fun people and have a good time, while helping cultivate the growth of a charity.” Throughout their years in Arizona, the Machizes have managed to promote the originality and merit of each charity, while also fostering fun. Just a few of the organizations they support are:
 Phoenix Suns Charities     Along with being devoted and die-hard Phoenix Suns fans (they have courtside seats and attend every game possible), the Machizes are major contributors to any charity endeavor within the organization. For the past three years, they have sponsored the Celebrity Shoot Out, which draws the varied likes of rappers, actors and singers. They also sponsor a basketball camp for kids ages five to 17.
Body Positive     Body Positive is an organization fashioned specifically by and for people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. Through the organization, knowledge, information, collective strength and friendship is provided to not only maximize the lives of those afflicted, but also to prevent the spread of disease. Carole counts this philanthropy as one of her personal favorites because she is so encouraged by the care they provide.
“I love, love, love this organization,” says Carole. “It truly makes such a huge difference in people’s lives by providing companionship and care to victims of such an awful disease.” In May 2005, they sponsored Wynonna Judd at the Night for Life benefit. “It was so much fun to see such a wonderful performer,” says Bob, “and she was so down to earth.”
Homebase Youth Services     A non-profit agency, Homebase Youth Services was founded in 1991 to tackle the enormous needs of at-risk and homeless youth ages 21 years and younger in the state of Arizona. The Machizes were one of the principal donors to the organization in 2005 and they both agree Homebase is not only one of the most worthy charities, but also one of the most worthwhile for the donors. “You are able to see real change pretty quickly,” says Bob. “It is important to me because these kids have no real support system and Homebase really gives that to them,” adds Carole.
Southwest Autism Research Center     The center is a non-profit organization devoted to autism research, education within the community and providing resources for children and families.
“I toured the center and it was impossible for me not to do something,” says Carole. “The resources they have there are just unbelievable.”
 
Authored by Megan Will
Photography by JH Jennings
Frontdoors News Cover Story May 2006