Two decades of building a global toy company gave Judd Zebersky both the resources and the organizational infrastructure to pursue large-scale community investment. As founder of Jazwares and creator of its philanthropic arm Jazwares Cares, Zebersky directed millions toward children’s hospitals, wish-fulfillment organizations, and underserved schools while also ensuring that giving was embedded in everyday company operations.
Hospital Work Defined by Depth, Not Just Dollars
The partnership between the Zebersky family and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital went beyond a financial transfer. Judd Zebersky contributed $2 million to the hospital’s capital campaign part of a $170 million project expanding capacity from four floors to eight. Judd Zebersky described the institution’s values as a key factor in the family’s commitment: “Not only are they a top-notch pediatric facility, but they also provide quality medical care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.” The hospital responded by naming the Pediatric Emergency Department Registration Area and the Outpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit after the family.
The couple went further with a product-level gesture: they developed a custom Lotsy Dotsy doll designed after the hospital’s resident clown and distributed it to young patients to provide comfort during difficult stays. The combination of financial support and tangible, thoughtful product giving reflects the broader approach Judd Zebersky applied throughout Jazwares Cares treating community organizations as genuine partners rather than recipients of spare capacity.
Make-A-Wish and National Reach
The Zeberskys extended similar depth to their work with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Laura Zebersky chaired the organization’s board following three years of membership, and together the couple funded more than 100 individual wishes. As benefactors at the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, they helped the event raise over $5 million. Jazwares donated more than 10,000 Squishmallows a character called Star developed specifically for children with serious illnesses to Make-A-Wish chapters across the United States and Canada. When Judd Zebersky stepped down as CEO in March 2026, the full giving infrastructure remained in place. Refer to this page to learn more.
Learn 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