The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) NC Cape Fear Region Chapter recently announced Al Sidbury as its 2026 Outstanding Philanthropist and Todd Godbey as its 2026 Outstanding Fundraiser.
According to a news release, the honorees will be recognized at the chapter’s annual National Philanthropy Day Celebration on Nov. 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Daniels Hall on the fifth floor of Union Station at Cape Fear Community College.
National Philanthropy Day brings the Cape Fear community together to recognize the donors, volunteers, fundraisers, organizations, and community leaders whose generosity and service create lasting positive change. Each year, the AFP Cape Fear Region Chapter selects an Outstanding Philanthropist and Outstanding Fundraiser
whose work has made a significant impact in the region.
“Sidbury (pictured at right) is being recognized for his transformational philanthropy and broad commitment to the Cape Fear community. His giving has supported education, affordable housing, veterans, healthcare education, human services, animal welfare, and faith-based organizations. His recent gifts include a transformational gift to the Hampstead Library for a new 20,000-square-foot facility, an endowment through the North Carolina Community Foundation benefiting Habitat for Humanity and to the American Legion Post 167 for a new permanent post home in Pender County,” according to the release. “He has also established nursing scholarships at Cape Fear Community College and supported Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, the Pender County Humane Society, The Salvation Army, and his church and its ministries.”
Godbey is being recognized for more than a decade of fundraising leadership “that has transformed Beacon Education and expanded opportunities for children from early childhood through high school graduation,” the release stated. “Godbey has led more than $25 million in capital fundraising, including more than $14 million for GLOW Academy and $9.5 million for Spark Academy’s first location. His leadership established permanent educational facilities and expanded Beacon’s work into early childhood education. Beyond capital campaigns, Godbey has built a fundraising program generating more than $1 million annually for GLOW and Spark.”