Cut off crust from thick slices of stale bread. Cut into 3 thick pieces, lengthwise. Set aside. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish. Set aside.
Add eggs, milk, and vanilla to a shallow dish and mix well. Soak the sticks in the egg mixture until saturated.
Melt butter on LOW-MEDIUM heat and add bread pieces, cooking until golden brown on each side. Use tongs to place in cinnamon and sugar mixture making sure to coat all sides.
Continue cooking bread pieces, adding more butter when needed.
Serve with warm syrup.