In a community with few franchises, Chapel Hill-Carrboro business owners provide money, space, services, gift items, beverages and platters of food that enable nonprofits to stay in their business of keeping our community healthy or healing.

When representatives of four nonprofits were asked recently which businesses they could rely upon, the answers indicated that there's activity going on in this town that most people don't know about.

A stream of names flowed from Margaret Barrett, executive director of Orange County Rape Crisis Center when asked.

"Cindy Gudeman of Tony Hall & Associates is so generous. For every house she sells, she gives a portion to rape crisis," Barrett said. "Anthony Carey, the general manager at The Siena Hotel, provides a room for our annual meeting there. He's very community-minded and knows a local hotel can provide a lot of support in-kind."

Barrett commended the leaders of both the Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Hillsborough chambers of commerce, Aaron Nelson and Margaret Cannell, respectively; and Brendan Moylan of Sports Endeavors for encouraging corporate giving.

Jeff Stern, board chair of the Family Violence Prevention Center, cited Molly Maid and Mr. Handyman, better known perhaps as Mary and Dave Dickinson.

"They've really been sort of leaders throughout our organizational history," Stern said. "They've solicited all of their customers for an annual gift and raised $7,000 for us this year."

Stern said the couple also used some of the advertising dollars they pay WCHL to spotlight the center's fundraisers.

"There are hundreds of businesses that give small amounts for a raffle or promote us in their business," said Stern, who also mentioned a donor who helps with the center's rent. A Southern Season also allows center representatives to set up information tables on weekends.

Stern also mentioned Carey and The Siena Hotel.

"He said that if a (meeting) room isn't booked, they'd rather have it booked with a philanthropic group than have it go unused," Stern said of Carey.

Ann Gerhardt, executive director of the Women's Center, praised Joe Davis of Wachovia Securities, upon whom the center has been very dependent and grateful, and Gerald Bell of Bell Leadership and his wife, Tina Bell, of Minta Bell Designs.

"They provide general support," Gerhardt said. "A lot of people support us through our art show and come through year after year."

The Women's Center recently honored Lori Paquette of LIPdesign as its volunteer of the year for the graphic design work she has provided and R.B. Hull of Tri Printers. Gerhardt said she doesn't know how the center would manage without the services and discounts Hull and Paquette give.

Beckey Carver of Cornucopia House mentioned the many community service announcements provided by WCHL for all nonprofits. She cited help from Whole Foods, Earthfare and the Siena, and she pointed out how helpful Jamil Kadoura of Mediterranean Deli has been with the Twilight at the Oasis fundraiser.

But the big annual fundraiser, A Chocolate Affaire, is where the business community really plays a part for Cornucopia House.

For this year's event, Carver said, 48 businesses contributed food, beverages or services; 219 individuals or businesses donated 255 items for auction; and $50,000 went into the coffers.

"We are so lucky in this community, where people and businesses support nonprofits," Carver said.

Carey, who was mentioned by three of the four agencies, managed the Chapel Hill Sheraton between jobs at The Siena and said it's simply a part of who they are in the service industry.

"We feel it's our responsibility to be good stewards," Carey said. "This is a town where people stop and help."