Harold Matzner, Coachella Valley philanthropist, film festival chair, dies at 88

Harold Matzner, a businessman and philanthropist who shaped the cultural and charitable landscape of the Coachella Valley for more than three decades, died Thursday afternoon in Palm Springs at age 88.

Matzner served as chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Film Awards for over 20 years before stepping down in April 2023. Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1937, he built his wealth through advertising and marketing before relocating to the West Coast.

The news was first reported by KESQ-TV. Writing for The Desert Sun, longtime valley entertainment reporter Bruce Fessier wrote that Matzner’s death was confirmed Thursday evening by his family via an obituary sent by the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s PR team. Fessier said that the obituary stated Matzner died “after a brief illness.”

The entrepreneur made the Coachella Valley his home for more than 30 years and became one of the region’s most generous benefactors. Since 2000, Matzner contributed a reported $70 million to $80 million to local nonprofits, supporting organizations ranging from the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center to the Desert AIDS Project.

His charitable reach extended to numerous causes including the AIDS Assistance Program, Desert Symphony, American Cancer Society, The Living Desert, College of the Desert, Palm Springs Animal Shelter, FIND Food Bank, and the Human Rights Campaign, among many others.

Beyond philanthropy, Matzner owned Spencer’s, a popular Palm Springs restaurant. He played a crucial role in creating Palm Springs’ Measure J, a 1% sales tax increase that funded a $200 million downtown revitalization program while generating an additional $12 million annually for infrastructure improvements.

The city recognized his contributions in 2006 with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, placed near the statue of his friend Sonny Bono at 155 South Palm Canyon Drive.

As expected with the passing of such an iconic figure, community leaders across the Coachella Valley were quick to share their condolences and reflected on Matzner’s lasting impact.

In a statement released Thursday evening, Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte emphasized Matzner’s transformative impact on the city and its signature festival.

“The City of Palm Springs owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Harold Matzner,” deHarte said. “Not only did Harold literally come in and revitalize the failing Palm Springs Film Festival and transform it into one of the most successful in the country — he also turned it into a powerful economic driver which continues to bring Hollywood to Palm Springs and millions of dollars to our local economy along with priceless media impressions highlighting our brand in every corner of the world.”

“Harold Matzner was unequivocally one of our city’s greatest champions, philanthropists and humanitarians — and I can think of no one else who has done more to support Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley,” deHarte added.

Nachhattar Singh Chandi, current chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, spoke about Matzner’s lasting influence on the organization.

“It is a difficult day for the city of Palm Springs and for all of us at the Palm Springs International Film Festival,” Chandi said in a social media post. “From its inception, Harold gave so much of himself — day and night — to ensure this festival not only survived but flourished.”

“Having led the festival since 2000, Harold’s vision transformed it into a world-class event and a key stop during awards season. Even after stepping down, he remained deeply involved, guiding and inspiring all of us who followed in his footsteps.”

Chandi noted Matzner’s broader impact beyond the festival.

“It was his generosity which elevated Palm Springs onto the international stage, while his tireless philanthropy strengthened every corner of our community — raising funds, creating jobs, and improving the wellbeing of countless lives across the Coachella Valley,” he said.

“His generosity, leadership, and deep belief in the power of culture touched countless lives and will continue to inspire many for generations to come. Harold was a true friend of our Tribe and held a special bond with several of our Tribal leaders. We will always cherish his support, his friendship, and the enduring impact he leaves behind.”

— Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich

“Harold will always stand as a pillar of this city. His spirit will remain with us, carried forward in every event we host and in the community he helped build,” Chandi added. “He was truly one of a kind—there was no one else like him. He has been a mentor to me every step of the way, and I often find myself guided by his example. I am grateful to have known him as a dear friend and will miss him deeply.”

Reid D. Milanovich, tribal chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, highlighted Matzner’s special relationship with the local tribal community.

“We honor the life and legacy of Harold Matzner, a visionary philanthropist whose unwavering commitment to the arts helped bring the city of Palm Springs to the world stage through the Palm Springs International Film Festival,” Milanovich said. “His generosity, leadership, and deep belief in the power of culture touched countless lives and will continue to inspire many for generations to come.

“Harold was a true friend of our Tribe and held a special bond with several of our Tribal leaders. We will always cherish his support, his friendship, and the enduring impact he leaves behind.”

Martin Massiello, president and chief executive officer of Eisenhower Health, praised Matzner’s impact on healthcare and the broader community.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Harold Matzner, a true philanthropist and visionary whose generosity has left an indelible mark on Eisenhower Health and the entire Coachella Valley,” Massiello said. “His dedication to supporting world-class health care at Eisenhower has helped us expand our programs, strengthen our services, and ensure that high-quality care is available close to home.”

Massiello noted that Matzner’s influence extended far beyond healthcare, calling him “a champion for the arts, culture, and countless charitable causes that have made our valley a more vibrant and compassionate place.”

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