Stay Gold, We are NOT the MET
June 28, 2025 @ 6:00PM — 11:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Blackwell Ballroom, Longwood University: High Street Farmville, VA 23909 Get Directions
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Do it for Johnny
Step into a night of nostalgia, literature, and timeless camaraderie at Stay Gold, the Virginia Children's Book Festival’s exclusive gala inspired by S.E Hinton's seminal Young Adult novel, "The Outsiders."
Guests will be transported into the world of Ponyboy, Johnny, and the Greasers with a setting reminiscent of the 1960s—think vintage cars at the entrance, dimly lit neon signs, and a mix of refined elegance with rebellious charm. The venue will be styled in shades of gold, deep midnight blues, and rustic leathers, creating an ambiance that feels both warm and edgy.
This unforgettable evening will celebrate the transformative power of storytelling while raising vital funds to bring books, authors, and literacy programs to children across Virginia.
Find out more on our website
A big thank you to our sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor – The Johnny Cade Level – “Stay gold, Ponyboy"
Greasers Sponsor – The Ponyboy Level – “Nothing gold can stay.”
Outsiders Sponsor –The Sodapop Level – “You’re gold when you’re a kid.”
Longwood Center for the Visual Arts
Anonymous Anonymous
Antihero Sponsor – The Dally Level – “If he'd been like me he'd never have been in this mess..”
Joyce Eggleston
Curtis Brothers Sponsor – The Darry Level – “You gotta hold on to your dignity.”
Megan Clark
Insider Sponsor – The Cherry Valence Level – “Things are different with us.”
