For Judd Zebersky, the work of giving back was never confined to dropping off toy boxes at holiday time. The Jazwares founder and longtime CEO built his company’s charitable work into a structured program with multiple pillars: hospital partnerships, school collaborations, employee volunteerism, and product-specific donations designed to serve children facing serious challenges.

Jazwares Cares, the philanthropic arm Jude Zebersky created from the company’s earliest days, became the vehicle for this work. As Jazwares grew into a global enterprise now part of Berkshire Hathaway and home to brands including Squishmallows its giving programs expanded to operate across multiple countries.

The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Relationship

One of the most substantial expressions of Judd Zebersky’s giving philosophy came through his family’s support of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. He and Laura Zebersky contributed $2 million toward a facility expansion that grew the hospital’s capacity from four floors to eight, part of a broader $170 million project. Beyond the financial gift, the couple worked with hospital staff to develop a Lotsy Dotsy doll based on the hospital’s resident clown, giving medical teams a purpose-built toy to offer young patients during difficult moments.

Make-A-Wish and Product-Driven Philanthropy

The Zebersky family’s involvement with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida followed a similar pattern. Laura Zebersky joined the organization’s board in 2019 and became chair in 2022. The couple funded more than 100 individual wishes. Jazwares contributed a Squishmallow named Star, created specifically for children with serious illnesses, and donated more than 10,000 units to Make-A-Wish chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. Judd Zebersky transitioned out of the CEO role in March 2026 after nearly three decades, with the full giving infrastructure he built continuing to operate under the company’s next leadership. Check out this page for more information.

Find more information about Judd Zebersky on https://toyworldmag.co.uk/jazwares-announces-departure-of-senior-leadership/