Judd Zebersky’s Make-A-Wish and Hospital Work Spanned Decades

Corporate philanthropy often takes the shape of annual check-writing. Judd Zebersky’s approach at Jazwares was different sustained, personal, and built into the company’s structure from the day it was founded. As a result, the giving programs he created outlasted trends and continued operating across multiple countries even after Judd Zebersky stepped down as CEO in March 2026.

The Jazwares Cares Model

Jazwares Cares began when Jazwares did, in 1997. The program donates toys to children’s hospitals, schools, and nonprofits, and targets underserved communities through an Adopt-a-School initiative focused on Title I schools. Employees receive 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually, a policy designed to keep giving active at every level of the organization rather than confined to executive decisions. “Putting a smile on children’s faces is at the heart of everything we do,” Judd Zebersky said when announcing major donation efforts in 2025.

Years of Commitment to Make-A-Wish

The Zebersky family’s involvement with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida extended over years. Laura Zebersky joined the organization’s board and eventually chaired it. Together, she and Judd Zebersky funded more than 100 individual wishes and served as lead benefactors at the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, which raised over $5 million. Jazwares created Star, a Squishmallows character specifically designed for children with serious illnesses, and donated more than 10,000 units to Make-A-Wish chapters in the United States and Canada.

The couple’s relationship with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital showed similar depth. A $2 million personal donation from Judd Zebersky and Laura Zebersky went toward the hospital’s “Catch the Love” capital campaign part of a $170 million expansion that grew the facility from four floors to eight. Zebersky explained the motivation: “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 after the family: the Pediatric Emergency Department Registration Area and the Outpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit. The couple also developed a custom Lotsy Dotsy doll, modeled after the hospital’s resident clown, for distribution to young patients. Visit this page on LinkedIn, for more information.

Find more about Judd Zebersky on https://www.jazwares.com/about-us/leadership