Fundraiser's goal not trivial

Parrish resident Jim Casey talked last week about the reason he wanted to earn an entry in the book of "Guinness World Records."

It was:

1. Because at age 12 he won a hold-your-breath contest at his hometown YMCA.

2. Because he once was a collector who knew the history of every coin minted in America.

3. Because he once saw Bobby and Cindy of the Brady Bunch try to set a teeter-totter world record.

4. Because his cousin earned inclusion with 462 body piercings.

Like most events planned by Casey, who owns Game Show Trivolution, you need to wait until the end to find out if you are a winner.

Well, that's usually the case. The main winner of the Game Show Fundraiser on Aug. 6-7 at Sarasota Wings-n-Things will be Feeding Empty Little Tummies, a nonprofit that provides meals to school children who don't have access to steady meals.

Casey, who runs regular trivia shows at Wolves Head Pizza and Wings in Lakewood Ranch and at two Applebee's in eastern Manatee County, combined his desire to feed hungry kids with his love of "Guinness World Records." He found the "longest marathon by a quizmaster" category and then planned the event.

"I grew up poor and it just breaks my heart when I see kids who don't have the comforts of home," he said.

"And my dad gets a copy of 'Guinness World Records' from me every year. It would be neat for me to be in there."

To be included, he needs to ask trivia questions, one every minute, for more than 33 hours, 8 minutes.

He calls his current style of trivia contest "revolutionary" because contestants compete on smartphones or on electronic notebooks he provides. He isn't worried about asking more than 2,000 questions during the marathon because he routinely asks a question a minute during his shows.

Although he has some friends slotted for some of the difficult time periods during the marathon, he hopes many of his regulars decide to support a good cause and help him achieve the record. 

Along the way, he might even ask a question about Bobby and Cindy Brady, who were, indeed, his inspiration to set a world record.