The Toronto Sun 11.12.06

A million reasons to marry Matchmaker links attractive women and wealthy men; successful females need not apply By VALERIE GIBSON, Sun, November 12, 2006 Who wants to marry a millionaire? It's a well-worn and most would consider, outdated, question. What's more, it's generally and irritatingly assumed the millionaire is a man. But that's probably because most of them are. Although the numbers of female millionaires are increasing these days, they're still very much in the minority. For most women, well, they sadly know they'll never achieve that financial level. And since it's a material world, the allure of marrying into a world of big bucks without working a lifetime for it, still holds a lot of appeal. Most of those who hanker for such a match are convinced it would be a dream come true. Yet it can be fraught with risks. He may not always stay a millionaire. If he hasn't been squeaky clean in his financial dealings, he can end up the focus of the law rather than magazine covers or Forbes Report stories. As we've seen with recent dot-com and corporation crashes, as well as feisty shareholders bent on revenge, it can be a situation that leads to some rapid downfalls. There's also a relationship fact I discovered upon marrying one once. You can sometimes become an item on their acquisition list and treated as such. Also, taking care of a relationship (i.e. spending time with you) can be far down their list of priorities -- far below managing their money or making more. In other words, everything has its price. Yet, despite all these hazards and the changing times and attitudes, the hills are apparently still alive with women who either aren't aware, or simply don't want to know, what the risks or personal cost might be. They still want to marry rich. It's a concept that has probably made Patti Stanger, a dynamic Californian from a New Jersey family line of Jewish matchmakers, a millionaire herself. She runs The Millionaire's Club, a matchmaking service and website, millionairesclub123.com, which she started in 2000 and which is now one of the top dating/matchmaking sites in the world. Male millionaires, (who are thoroughly checked out beforehand), pay big money to join. Membership starts at $10,000 US; a personal search can be $20,000 US and an exclusive search can be $50,000 US. Membership for women is free. The concept has now arrived in Canada, with the Canadian branch opening Nov. 17 -- millionairesclub123.ca, headed by president Mark Healy. Now you may ask why any male millionaire needs to have someone find him a mate. Surely if he's that rarest of male species -- single, rich and available -- he's swamped with eager suitors? "Very successful men are so busy they don't have time to look for a life partner," says Stanger, "so they prefer to pay a professional to take care of the search for them and take care of the details." But what about "gold-diggers" -- those women determined to marry money at all costs? She says they screen carefully for them. Stanger points out that since gold-diggers "have a short attention span;" they're soon weeded out, plus female members sign a waiver that states there's a $10,000 penalty if they ask a member for money. There are other strict rules for members called the "20 Commandments" (for men -- 10 for women), and which, for some strange reason, all start biblically with "thou shalt ... or thou shalt not ..." They give clear dictates, particularly on courteous dating, and guidance on what would be classed as "gentlemanly" or "ladylike" behaviour. "We also help both the men and women with total image coaching and makeovers when we feel it's needed. "We're a one-stop resource for matchmaking needs," says Stanger. And, yes, they encourage the men to get a prenup. Both Stanger and Healy emphasize there's "no age cap" although most of the current members are between 25-50. Criteria for the women? "Personality is important," assures Healy, "size is not." Stanger is adamant, however, that good looks are very important to rich men, even though, she agrees, "every man has a different preference." Prospective millionaires' wives who register online, pay no fee to become a member and they have to first attend a screening audition. The Toronto audition is Fri., Nov. 17, at The Carlu, Yonge & College. Registration is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and registrants must be over 19. But if you consider yourself the equal to any millionaire, don't bother. "Most successful men don't want successful women," says Stanger. Ouch. --- KEY POINTS The Good Wife's Guide for wannabe millionaire's wives from Patti Stanger: - A lways be a lady. - A lways be nice to him and make him happy (being a good cook is essential, say s Stanger. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach) . - Make his life easier. - Stay positive . - Be willing to relocate . - Don't be a gold-digger. - Be energetic and enthusiastic . - Have long hair and wear minimal makeup . - Cultivate whatever you shine at. - Be intelligent and educated.

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For any information regarding press or if you are interested in featuring The Millionaires Club in any article or television/documentary film program, please contact Patti directly at (866-328-3748 US Only), outside the US at 310-306-7280 or e-mail her at press@millionairesclub123.com.