stay gold.
"Hey," I said suddenly, "can you see the sunset real good from the West Side?"
She blinked, startled, then smiled. "Real good."
"You can see it good from the East Side, too," I said quietly.
"Thanks, Ponyboy." She smiled through her tears. "You dig okay."
stay gold co-chairs
I’m excited to co-chair the Stay Gold gala because it allows me to have a hand in helping cultivate not only an amazing experience for attendants on June 28, but also to help thousands of kids experience memorable days, every fall, at the Virginia Children’s Book Festival right here in Farmville, Virginia.
I am thrilled and humbled to be a co-chair of this year‘s VCBF gala, Stay Gold! As a community member and an educator, the VCBF is near and dear to my heart. Children’s books celebrate the magic of storytelling and have a profound impact on young minds! My hope, through this year‘s gala, is that we can make a tangible difference that will allow us to continue to create a meaningful and joyful experience that will inspire a lifelong love of reading in our children!
Why Stay Gold?
The Outsiders is a dramatic and enduring work of fiction that laid the groundwork for the YA genre. S. E. Hinton's classic story of a boy who finds himself on the outskirts of regular society remains as powerful today as it was the day it was first published. "The Outsiders transformed young-adult fiction from a genre mostly about prom queens, football players and high school crushes to one that portrayed a darker, truer world." —The New York Times
In the Tulsa bungalow, a fan of “The Outsiders” left behind a rock with a phrase from the book: “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.” Credit...Andrea Morales for The New York Times
By having The Outsiders as the theme for this year’s gala, the VCBF recreates the wonder and intensity of reading the book for the first time, bringing adults back to a place of their youth, when the struggles of belonging and identity were so very important.
Ask adults about books they remember from their teen years, the books that ended up changing them, moving them, staying with them, there are a few almost everyone mentions: Catcher in the Rye, The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret, Bridge to Terabithia.
When teens are asked about which books they are required to read, perhaps reluctant to read, but stick with them and become a vital part of who they are, the books that changed their outlooks and lives, there are some: Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mockingbird, Animal Farm.
But there is one that stands out among the rest; one that is mentioned again and again with almost universal reverence.
The Outsiders.
S.E. Hinton's young adult novel about greasers in Oklahoma still resonates with readers almost 60 years after it was first published. A teenager herself when she wrote the novel, Hinton captured something no other author had ever had, and she did it in gritty detail: The Outsiders captures the raw emotions and experiences of youth. Its authenticity speaks to generations of readers who see themselves in Ponyboy, Johnny, and the rest of the Greasers.
what to expect
Stay Gold: A Gala Inspired by The Outsiders
Step into a night of nostalgia, literature, and timeless camaraderie at Stay Gold, the Virginia Children's Book Festival’s exclusive gala inspired by The Outsiders. 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.
The Atmosphere
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.
Dress Code
Attendees are encouraged to channel the spirit of The Outsiders—whether it’s sleek ‘60s cocktail attire, Greaser leather jackets, or classic preppy styles of the Socs. A touch of gold in each outfit is highly encouraged to embrace the event’s theme of holding onto innocence, hope, and dreams.
Signature Experiences
Golden Hour Cocktail Reception – Specialty cocktails and mocktails inspired by characters and key moments in The Outsiders, such as “The Sunset Mule” or “Cherry’s Highball.”
✨ Literary Tributes & Guest Speakers – Celebrated authors and special guests will share personal reflections on the novel’s enduring impact and the importance of youth literature.
✨ The "Stay Gold" Giving Moment – A heartfelt fundraising appeal encouraging guests to help keep books and creativity alive for children, inspired by Johnny’s final words: Stay gold, Ponyboy.
✨ Dance & Social – A live band will keep the night alive with classic ‘60s hits, inviting guests to revel in the magic of music, community, and the love of storytelling.
Why "Stay Gold?”
Just as The Outsiders reminds us to cherish the beauty of innocence and see the world with wonder, this gala is a call to action—a chance to invest in young readers, ensuring that their love of books and imagination never fades.
Join us for a night that’s more than just a celebration—it’s a movement to keep literature alive, relevant, and golden for generations to come.
