Dennis Missimi holds up a signed copy of the KSU's Golden Flashes Tee-Shirt while KSU's Men's Golf Coach Herb Page auctions it off at the Brunch Bunch auction at the Kent American Legion.

Photo By Stephanie KrellAlea Sission, 7, granddaughter of one of the founders of the Brunch Bunch, munches on one of the donuts provided at the auction.

By Marci Piltz
Record-Courier staff writer
A 40-year-old Thanksgiving tradition Thursday featured a head-to-head auction competition between two Kent State University golf coaches.
After the contest, which had the slogan of "Brunch Bunch thanks the community for 40 years of caring, 40 years of sharing and 40 years of giving back," men's golf Coach Herb Page raised $300, beating women's golf Coach Mike Morrow's collection of $60. The men were auctioning off T-shirts signed by the KSU men's basketball team.
"They better get to the Final Four for this," Page said following the winning bid.
Held at the Kent American Legion Post No. 496 at 1945 Mogadore Road, the annual event is dedicated to giving back to the community. It kicked off at 8 a.m. and ended about 12:20 p.m., said Michelle Hartman, one of the event's coordinators.
The fund-raiser started in 1968 when a group of area men began meeting at Ace's cafe in downtown Kent to raise money to benefit area food pantries and social service agencies. In its first year, the Brunch Bunch raised $235.
By comparison, that $235 amounts to about $1,400 in 2007 dollars when adjusted for inflation.
The committee completely smashed that amount last year by raising a total $34,900.
Hartman said a final total of funds raised was not available Thursday evening. However, she said the community once again came through to support the event. Two Italian dinners for 12 donated by Jean and Mark Frisone drew $1,600 each for a total of $3,200; a dinner for eight donated by Nelson Burns netted $850; and a signed original "Crankshaft" comic by Tom Batiuk netted $350.
All of the funds raised by the event benefit Kent Social Services hot meals, Center of Hope, The Lord's Pantry and Coleman Adult Day Services food programs.
Also, a guest auctioneer was KSU starting quarterback Julian Edelman, who brought in $300 for a mini-helmet signed by Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs, a KSU alumnus.
Hartman said this year's addition of door prizes awarded to those in attendance went over very well.
"Since we couldn't have been so successful without the support of the community and businesses, and in light of the economy to have the turnout we did, we wanted to thank them," Hartman said.
Each hour one adult and one child received a prize. The adult prize was a custom-made basket of homemade wine by Hartman and her husband in a specially decorated holiday basket. The children's prizes consisted of an animated stuffed Puss In Boots character from the movie "Shrek," a Mio Pup, and a Crayola Color Explosion kit. Each child also received a pass for four free bowling games at Kent Lanes and four free passes for ice skating at the KSU Ice Arena.
As usual, three grand prizes for a raffle were awarded to attendees. The first place prize of a $2,000 diamond necklace from Hood and Hoover in Stow went to Alex Stall, Hartman said. The second place prize of a Norka Futon went to Kenny Heller; and the third place prize of a $100 Acme gift card from an anonymous donor went to Gary Weisand.
Dennis and Debbie Missimi, who have helped continue the Brunch Bunch event by volunteering more than 20 years ago, thanked the community for its involvement during the past 40 years. They also recognized family members of the founders of the Brunch Bunch, the late Richard "Moose" Paskert, Jack Urchek and Larry Sisson. Tom Paskert represented his father; Greg Urchek, son of Jack, spoke on behalf of a table full of Urchek relatives; and Jean Sisson, Larry Sisson's widow, represented her husband.
"It was another great, successful event thanks to the community," Hartman said. "It's really them and the local businesses and the incredible volunteers who come out to support it every year. And it really is fun."