SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – WILD Canine Rescue has gotten to the point where fundraisers aren’t something they don’t to do much, given the success of their thrift shop.

But, you just can’t pass up the opportunity to have a fundraiser that pays tribute to country music icon Dolly Parton.

“We came up with this not too long ago, and we had to throw it together very, very quickly,” said Jill Egizii, president, WILD Canine Rescue, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch, after Parton passed away August 25.  “Sponsors jumped on board, and it’s going to be a fun night.  Boondocks…has been so gracious in offering her venue.”

Egizii says “I Beg Your Parton” is Friday night, “Nine-Two-Five (9/25)” from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and will feature contests where both you and your dog can dress up like Dolly, sing some her tunes, and more.

The contests might be the most fun part of the night.

“There are a lot of Dolly Parton shapes and sizes that are going to be coming in. I’m anxious to see,” said Egizii.  “It’s open to all ages.  I know that one of our groomers, Cynthia, is going to dress up her little girl, who is a beauty pageant queen.  I know she’s going to come in and look just like Dolly Parton.  There’s some competition.”

In addition to the contests for people and pets alike, there will also be rock painting for kids, to support Dolly’s mission for everyone to be kind, an Imagination Station display, a butterfly release, and more.