Break boards, break records: Team Jake Toy Drive hosts karate event to benefit Children's Hospital

GROSSE POINTE – The Team Jake Toy Drive invites the community to an afternoon of board breaking and karate demonstrations on Saturday, Jan. 24th from 3-5 p.m. at Zanshin Karate Dojo, 14922 Kercheval Ave. in Detroit.

The event, now in its seventh year, honors the memory of Jake Pennar, a Grosse Pointe Woods boy who started the toy drive in 2019 at just 7 years old. Jake saw children in the hospital who were scared and in pain, sometimes having to stay overnight without their parents. He said he wished he could give out toys to help them feel better and make them smile. With his family's encouragement, Jake launched the drive, collecting over 500 toys that first year.

Jake lost his battle to brain cancer at 9 years old in 2021. During his treatment, Jake loved playing with toys (especially LEGO!). He had a big heart, and noticed that there were not enough toys at the hospital for all the children going through treatment. Before he passed, Jake initiated that year's toy drive, and his family finished it in his honor, reaching exactly 2,021 toys – matching both the year and Jake's favorite number, 21. Last year, the drive donated over 3,000 toys to the Children's Hospital of Michigan.

"If you've ever wanted to break something and feel good about it, this is your chance," said Sensei Sean Farnsworth, owner of Zanshin Karate. The event is open to all ages, with no registration required. Attendees simply need to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. All donations must be new toys. No weapons of any kind or stuffed animals will be accepted. Only Crayola-brand crayons are accepted.

"We are honored to support Jake's memory and the Pennar family's annual effort to help children fighting cancer," Farnsworth said. "This event brings our community together for a cause that truly matters."

This year's drive has already collected 309 toys. The effort is bolstered by a generous $5,000 matching gift from Grace Community Church in Detroit, doubling the impact of monetary and toy donations.

"A single toy can spark joy, comfort, and a moment that transcends the hospital walls back into childhood," the Pennar family shared. "Jake had a passion for sharing what he had with others, and we're honored to continue his legacy."

The annual drive has become a community tradition, with drop-off locations at Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy in St. Clair Shores and ongoing collection at Zanshin Karate Dojo through the end of January.

The Jan. 24 event at Zanshin will feature board breaking opportunities and karate demonstrations. All toys collected benefit children receiving treatment at Children's Hospital of Michigan, where Jake received care.

For those unable to attend, donations can be made through:
- Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wish...
- Tax-deductible monetary gifts: https://www.zeffy.com/donation...
- Drop-off at Zanshin Karate Dojo or Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy

The community is encouraged to #livelikeJake, #lovelikeJake, and have #faithlikeJake.

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About Team Jake Toy Drive
The Team Jake Toy Drive was started in 2019 by Jake Pennar of Grosse Pointe Woods when he was 7 years old. After seeing children in the hospital who were scared and in pain, Jake wanted to give out toys to help them feel better and make them smile. Jake passed away from brain cancer at age 9 in 2021, and his family continues the annual drive in his honor. All toys are donated to children receiving treatment at Children's Hospital of Michigan, where Jake received care. The initiative reflects Jake's generous spirit and his passion for bringing comfort and joy to other children facing difficult battles.