Harold Matzner, a philanthropist and businessman who has been president of the Palm Springs International Film Festival for over 20 years, passed away on September 4th in Palm Springs after a brief illness. He was 88 years old.
Over nearly 40 years in the desert, Madsner has donated more than $85 million to local nonprofits, helping the festival become a key stop on the Hollywood Awards Circuit.
“It’s a difficult day for all of us at the city of Palm Springs and for all of us at the Palm Springs International Film Festival,” writes Nachatarshinchandi, president of the festival, on behalf of the Palm Springs International Film Association. “From the beginning, Harold gave so much day and night to ensure that this festival not only survived but flourished. Since 2000, Harold’s vision has worked together, inspired, deeply involved, deeply involved and inspired while following his footsteps, while following his footsteps, while continuing to maintain a normal stage at his national stage. He strengthened every corner of our community. He raised funds, created jobs, and improved the happiness of countless lives throughout the Coachella Valley.”
“Harold will always be the pillar of this city,” Chandi continued. “His spirit remains with us and continues in the community we host and he built. He was really no one like him. He was a mentor to me at every stage.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Matsner grew up during depression and worked temporarily in sports journalism before entering the marketing business. He founded CBA Industries, a direct mail advertising company that continues to provide millions of advertising circulars each week and continues to maintain its CEO in the ’80s.
In 1999, Matsner intervened to rescue the struggling Palm Springs International Film Festival. As chairman, he donated more than $12 million in his own money, constructed the Palm Springs International Film Awards at a popular stop on the awards calendar, supporting welcoming stars such as Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Denzel Washington, George Clooney and Timothy Chalamett.
Madsner also became president of the Palm Springs Sennis Club and named the restaurant Spencer after the Siberian Husky.
His other causes include Eisenhower Health, DAP Health, Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, Living Desert Zoo & Garden, McCallum Theatre, Palm Springs Art Museum, Find Food Bank, Jewish Family Services in the Desert, LGBTQ Community Center in the Desert, and California Equality.
Among the honors he received were the Horatio Alger Award, the Richard M. Milanovich Humanitarian Award, and the Fundraiser Association’s Philanthropist Award. The Patton Memorial General Museum praises the Matsner Tank Pavilion, and he has a star at the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars, located at the foot of the Sonny Bono statue.
It was known that Matsner said his joy came from “making magic for the people I love.” His mantra was simple: “Never give up. Always move forward.”
He is survived by his partner Shelley Reed. son Devin; daughter Laura; grandchildren; Elizabeth and Emily and nephew, Jason;
Services will be announced at a later date.
