March 21, 2026
Our annual character breakfast where the magic of children’s books come to life to support our local Imagination Library.
At Storybook Breakfast, families enjoy character meet-and-greets, a light breakfast, and literacy-rich activities inspired by favorites from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
We also celebrate graduates from our local Imagination Library and invite the community to help ensure every child across the Virginia Peninsulas has the opportunity to enroll and receive free, high-quality, age-appropriate books delivered each month.
Last year, Storybook Breakfast raised over $30,000, making it possible for 1,900 children to receive free monthly books for a full year.
Together, we can write the next chapter.
March 21, 2026
Christopher Newport University
David Student Union
10:00 - 11:30 AM
RSVP Deadline: March 11
Prefer to volunteer? Click here.
Win a Book Signed by Dolly Parton!
NEW FOR 2026: Bid on a copy of Coat of Many Colors signed by the Book Lady herself! Take part in our silent auction and help put books in kids’ hands through our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Bidding opens digitally on Friday, March 14. The auction will close live at Storybook Breakfast on March 21 at 11:15 AM, with the highest bidder taking it home.
Meet Your Favorite Characters!
Corduroy Bear returns as a crowd favorite and is joined by Llama Llama Red Pajama and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as new characters for 2026!
Storybook Breakfast is made possible by the generosity of these great partners
Frequently Asked Questions
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Storybook Breakfast is The DeGood Foundation’s family-friendly celebration and fundraiser for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on the Virginia Peninsulas. The event brings storybooks to life with themed tables, roaming characters, family activities, and a short program recognizing Imagination Library graduates while raising funds to cover books and postage for the program.
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Storybook Breakfast is designed for families with young children, Imagination Library graduates and current families, community partners, and supporters of early literacy. The event is family friendly and open to the public.
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Tickets are required and are $5. Tickets can be purchased at www.degoodfoundation.org/breakfast or https://givebutter.com/storybook-breakfast-2026
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Attendees receive a buffet-style breakfast (Chocolate croissants, ham and egg croissants, fresh fruit, freshly brewed regular and decaf coffee, hot tea, iced water, and lemonade), access to themed tables and interactive stations, photo opportunities with storybook characters, a chance to win a book signed by Dolly Parton, and a brief recognition moment honoring Imagination Library graduates.
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The event aims to be interactive for kids and caregivers. There will be meet-and-greets with roaming characters, coloring stations, coloring materials at all seats, craft activities, and more.
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Yes. Guests are welcome to bring snacks. A complimentary breakfast is also provided.
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The event is held in the David Student Union Ballroom at Christopher Newport University. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early so they can check in and get seats. CNU asks event guests to park in the Ferguson Center for the Arts parking garage. Signage and volunteers will guide you from the parking garage to the venue.
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Proceeds directly support The DeGood Foundation’s local partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the Virginia Peninsulas by covering the cost of books and postage so children from birth to age five receive a free, age appropriate book each month.
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Please email hello@degoodfoundation.org or call/text (757) 574-0334 to cancel or change your RSVP.
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Full refunds available up to 7 days before the event. After that, tickets are non-refundable but may be transferred to another guest or converted to a tax-deductible donation to support our work with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Refunds are not available for no-shows.
To request a refund, please email hello@degoodfoundation.org
Once a refund is processed, you will receive an email confirmation. Please allow 7-14 business days for the refund to reflect on your original method of of payment.