Toy companies often talk about enriching childhood. Judd Zebersky built the systems to follow through. As the founder and longtime CEO of Jazwares, Zebersky created a giving model rooted in organizational infrastructure rather than occasional charity drives.

Jazwares Cares, the philanthropic branch Jude Zebersky established at the company’s founding, runs donation programs, volunteer initiatives, and school partnerships across multiple countries. The model grew alongside the business itself, ensuring that as Jazwares expanded from a small operation to a global player, its community commitments scaled with it.

Hospital Partnership and Major Donations

Among the most visible examples of Judd Zebersky‘s giving approach is the family’s relationship with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Zebersky and his wife Laura gave $2 million toward the hospital’s expansion campaign, which increased its footprint from four floors to eight as part of a $170 million construction effort. The hospital named two units after the family in recognition of the gift.

The couple also created a Lotsy Dotsy doll in collaboration with the hospital, inspired by the facility’s clown character. The doll was designed specifically to comfort children during hospital stays, blending Jazwares’ product capabilities with the hospital’s therapeutic goals.

Make-A-Wish and Squishmallows

The Zeberskys extended their giving through Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, where Laura served as board chair from 2022 onward. Together, they funded more than 100 individual wishes and served as benefactors at the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, which raised over $5 million. Jazwares contributed further by creating Star, a Squishmallow designed for children with serious illnesses, with more than 10,000 units donated to Make-A-Wish chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Judd Zebersky stepped down as CEO in March 2026, leaving behind a giving infrastructure that has become a defining feature of the company. Read this article for additional information.

More about Judd Zebersky on https://www.linkedin.com/posts/university-of-miami-school-of-law_judd-and-laura-zebersky-jd-93-toymakers-activity-7249433715506843648-E0Af