Squishmallows became one of the best-selling toy lines in the world under Jazwares, the company founded by Judd Zebersky. But beyond the commercial success, the brand became a tool for something more specific: getting soft, comforting products into the hands of children dealing with serious illness.

Star: A Squishmallows With a Purpose

Jazwares developed Star as a Squishmallows character not meant for retail. The toy was created for children enrolled in Make-A-Wish programs and was donated directly to Make-A-Wish chapters across the United States and Canada. More than 10,000 units were distributed. The decision reflected a pattern Judd Zebersky had established from early in Jazwares‘ history: using the company’s products as instruments of community support rather than keeping giving separate from what the business actually produced.

A Broader Pattern of Hospital Involvement

At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the Zebersky family commissioned a custom Lotsy Dotsy doll honoring the hospital’s resident clown. Like Star, it was made to comfort young patients during hospital stays a product with no commercial application. That project accompanied a $2 million personal donation to the hospital’s expansion campaign and helped the facility grow from four to eight floors. The hospital acknowledged both contributions by naming the Pediatric Emergency Department Registration Area and the Outpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit after the family. Judd Zebersky and Laura Zebersky also funded more than 100 Make-A-Wish grants personally and helped raise over $5 million at the Make-A-Wish Ball in Miami. Judd Zebersky stepped down from the CEO role in March 2026. The Squishmallows donation programs and Jazwares Cares partnerships he built continue under Jazwares’ new leadership team. See related link for more information.

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