September 25, 2026 – What began as a new placemaking feature in Downtown Bellefontaine quickly became something much more.

On September 25th and 26th, Small Nation partnered with United Way of Logan County and The Hanger Boutique to host the first-ever Dollar for Dolly fundraiser, raising more than $1,000 to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Logan County.

The story behind the fundraiser began with the installation of a bright pink British-style phone booth outside The Hanger Boutique in Downtown Bellefontaine. Small Nation originally introduced the phone booth as a placemaking initiative designed to create another memorable and interactive experience for people visiting downtown.

The phone booth was installed on the same day Dolly Parton passed away. Almost immediately, community members made the connection between the bright pink booth and the country music icon, affectionately embracing it as “The Dolly.”

That unexpected connection inspired Small Nation to find a way for the new downtown feature to honor Dolly Parton’s legacy while giving back to local children. Small Nation reached out to United Way of Logan County, which supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library locally, and the idea for Dollar for Dolly began to take shape.

September 25th was intentionally selected as a playful nod to Parton’s iconic song “9 to 5.” After the fundraiser date had already been selected, Ohio governor, Mike Dewine, proclaimed September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day, giving the event an unexpected additional connection to the singer and philanthropist.

Throughout the two-day fundraiser, visitors were encouraged to donate at least $1 before receiving the key to unlock the pink phone booth. Once inside, participants could pose for photos alongside a Dolly Parton cutout and an assortment of wigs, cowboy hats, microphones and other Dolly-inspired props.

Each partner played a role in bringing the experience together. Small Nation provided the phone booth, event graphics and flowers, while United Way of Logan County provided guidance, managed the collection of donations and supplied the Dolly Parton cutout. The Hanger Boutique hosted and staffed the fundraiser while adding many of the props that helped turn a simple photo opportunity into an experience.

The event drew support from across generations, with young children, families and older adults joining in the fun and celebrating the legacy of an artist whose music, personality and philanthropy connected with people of all ages.

For Small Nation Community Development Specialist Davis Norris, that legacy made supporting the Imagination Library a natural fit for the fundraiser.

“I don’t think she had a bad bone in her body … she never had her own kids, she just wanted what was best for the future generations. And I think that’s what everyone loved about her, is that she just wanted to keep the next generation going happily. Her message is nothing but positivity and just bringing everybody up,” Norris told Lima Hometown Stations during the event.

The fundraiser ultimately generated more than $1,000 for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Logan County. The program provides participating children from birth through age five with a free book mailed to their home each month, helping families build home libraries and introduce reading at an early age.

“Every book that arrives in a child’s mailbox is an opportunity for a family to sit down together, read and build skills that can make a difference when that child walks into kindergarten,” said Becca McGillis, Executive Director of the United Way of Logan County. “The Imagination Library has become an important investment in Logan County’s youngest children, and its success is possible because our community continues to support it. We’re grateful to Small Nation, Downtown Bellefontaine, The Hanger Boutique and everyone who gives a dollar, takes a photo and helps us keep these books coming.”

Nearly 2,000 children in Logan County participate in the Imagination Library, according to Your Hometown Stations. Across Ohio, more than 400,000 children are enrolled in the program, demonstrating the reach of Parton’s commitment to childhood literacy.

Dollar for Dolly also demonstrated how placemaking can extend beyond creating something visually interesting. A phone booth originally installed to add character and another memorable experience to Downtown Bellefontaine became a gathering place, a community tribute and ultimately a way to invest in local children.

The fundraiser showed what can happen when local organizations and businesses take a simple idea and build on it together. Small Nation is grateful to United Way of Logan County, The Hanger Boutique and everyone who donated, took a photo and helped make the first Dollar for Dolly a success.

Following the support shown during its first year, Small Nation, the United Way of Logan County, and The Hanger Boutique hope to continue growing Dollar for Dolly in the years ahead, finding new ways to bring the community together while supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the next generation of readers throughout Logan County.

For more information about the Dollar for Dolly fundraiser, please visit Your Hometown Stations.