Judd Zebersky’s Corporate Giving Model Tied Play to Community Health
The toy industry is built on the idea that play matters. Judd Zebersky made that idea the foundation of a giving program that extended from factory floors in South Florida to children’s hospital wards across North America. As founder of Jazwares, the company behind Squishmallows, Zebersky created Jazwares Cares at the company’s inception and personally contributed millions toward children’s health and wish fulfillment programs.
A Philanthropy Program Woven Into Operations
Jazwares Cares donates toys to children’s hospitals, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Its Adopt-a-School initiative focuses on Title I schools, bringing resources to communities with limited public funding. Employees contribute through 16 hours of annual volunteer time off, ensuring that giving occurs at every level of the organization. The program now operates across multiple countries, reflecting Jazwares’ growth from a South Florida startup into a global toy company. Judd Zebersky described the company’s core mission plainly: “Putting a smile on children’s faces is at the heart of everything we do.”
Joe DiMaggio Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Commitment
Judd Zebersky and Laura Zebersky donated $2 million to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, contributing to a capital expansion project that grew the facility from four floors to eight. The project carried a total estimated cost of $170 million. Judd Zebersky spoke directly about the hospital’s mission: “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 named two units in recognition of the gift the Pediatric Emergency Department Registration Area and the Outpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit. The couple also created a custom Lotsy Dotsy doll, modeled after the hospital’s resident clown, to give to young patients.
Their work with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida was equally sustained. Laura Zebersky chaired the organization’s board, and the couple collectively funded more than 100 individual wishes. Judd Zebersky supported the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, which generated over $5 million. Jazwares contributed more than 10,000 Squishmallows a character called Star designed specifically for children with serious illnesses to Make-A-Wish chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Judd Zebersky stepped down as CEO in March 2026, but the giving programs he created from the company’s first days continued operating under the leadership that followed. Read this article for additional information.
More about Judd Zebersky on https://toyworldmag.co.uk/jazwares-announces-departure-of-senior-leadership/