Judd Zebersky spent nearly three decades running Jazwares, and throughout that time he treated charitable giving as a business function, not a side project. The philanthropic infrastructure he built reflects the same deliberateness that turned a small toy startup into a global enterprise.
Jazwares Cares, created by Judd Zebersky at the company’s founding, now spans donation programs, school partnerships, and employee volunteer initiatives in multiple countries. The program’s depth reflects years of investment in building relationships with organizations rather than simply sending donations.
Doubling a Hospital’s Capacity
Judd Zebersky and his wife Laura made one of their most significant contributions to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, donating $2 million to support an expansion that grew the facility from four floors to eight, part of a $170 million construction campaign. Zebersky expressed his reason for the gift plainly: the hospital provides quality medical care regardless of a family’s ability to pay, a value he and Laura prioritized. The hospital recognized the family’s contribution by naming two areas in their honor.
Beyond the financial donation, the Judd Zeberskys worked with hospital staff to produce a Lotsy Dotsy doll based on the hospital’s clown character, created to give children something familiar and comforting during their stay.
Wishes, Squishmallows, and Lasting Impact
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida received consistent attention from the Zebersky family. Laura Zebersky chaired the board beginning in 2022, and the couple funded more than 100 individual wishes over the years. The InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, where they served as benefactors, raised over $5 million. Jazwares created Star, a Squishmallow made for children with serious illnesses, and donated more than 10,000 units to Make-A-Wish chapters in the United States and Canada. Judd Zebersky concluded his time as CEO in March 2026, with every one of these programs still active. Refer to this article for related 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