Plenty of toy companies donate products to hospitals. Judd Zebersky and Jazwares went further, creating custom items designed specifically for the medical context and funding construction projects that changed the physical capacity of children’s facilities. That combination of product thoughtfulness and capital-scale giving defined the philanthropic work Zebersky pursued across nearly three decades as CEO of Jazwares.

Custom Dolls and a $2 Million Hospital Commitment

The Lotsy Dotsy doll was not a warehouse clearance item. Judd Zebersky and his wife Laura developed the custom toy in honor of the resident clown at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, with the specific intention of giving young patients something comforting during their stays. The doll came alongside a $2 million personal donation from the couple to the hospital’s capital campaign, which supported an estimated $170 million construction project expanding the facility from four floors to eight.

Judd Zebersky spoke about the hospital’s values directly: “Not only are they a top-notch pediatric facility, but they also provide quality medical care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.” In response to the couple’s generosity, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital named the Pediatric Emergency Department Registration Area and the Outpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit after the Zebersky family.

Squishmallows Designed for Children With Serious Illness

The same product-focused approach appeared in Jazwares‘ work with Make-A-Wish. The company created Star, a Squishmallows character designed specifically for children with serious illnesses, and donated more than 10,000 units to Make-A-Wish chapters across the United States and Canada. The Zeberskys’ engagement with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida went beyond product: Laura Zebersky chaired the organization’s board, the couple funded over 100 individual wishes, and they served as benefactors at the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, which raised more than $5 million. Judd Zebersky, who stepped down as CEO of Jazwares in March 2026, described the company’s guiding principle simply: “Putting a smile on children’s faces is at the heart of everything we do.” The programs he built have continued under the leadership he put in place. See related link for additional information.

Visit his page on to learn more https://toyworldmag.co.uk/jazwares-announces-departure-of-senior-leadership/