Harold Matzner, the businessman and philanthropist whose generosity and vision helped shape Palm Springs into a world-class cultural destination, died Thursday at Eisenhower Health following a brief illness. He was 88.
Matzner, often affectionately called “Mr. Palm Springs,” was a driving force behind the city’s arts, culture, and civic life. He served as chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Film Awards for more than two decades, rescuing the event from near collapse in 1999 and transforming it into a premier stop on Hollywood’s awards circuit. Under his leadership, and with more than $12 million of his own contributions, the Film Awards became a glittering launchpad for the Academy Awards season, drawing international stars and generating billions of media impressions each year.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1937, Matzner made his fortune in advertising and marketing before discovering Palm Springs in 1985. From then on, he devoted his time, energy, and fortune to the desert community. Over nearly 40 years, he gave more than $85 million to local nonprofits, supporting healthcare, education, the arts, and social services. Beneficiaries of his philanthropy included Eisenhower Health, DAP Health, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, the McCallum Theatre, Palm Springs Art Museum, FIND Food Bank, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Jewish Family Services of the Desert, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, and Equality California.
Matzner’s civic contributions were just as significant. He played a pivotal role in creating Measure J, the one-percent sales tax that funded a $200 million downtown revitalization program and continues to generate millions annually for city infrastructure. In 2006, he was honored with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, placed at the foot of his friend Sonny Bono’s statue.
Beyond philanthropy, Matzner had a personal passion for tennis, helping grow the Palm Springs Tennis Club from 44 members in 1997 to nearly 500 members today. He also owned the beloved Palm Springs restaurant Spencer’s, named for his Siberian husky, and remained chairman of CBA Industries on the East Coast.
Matzner’s personal life reflected the same devotion he brought to public service. He is survived by his partner, Shellie Reade; his children, Devin and Laura; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Emily; nephew, Jason; and two Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Little Guy and Doc.
Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte called Matzner’s passing a profound loss for the city.
“Harold Matzner’s vision and generosity have permanently enriched the community he called home,” deHarte said. “His legacy lives on in the thriving cultural institutions, revitalized downtown, and countless lives touched by his compassion. He exemplified the profound impact one person can make when business success is paired with genuine care for the community.”
Matzner often summed up his philosophy with two simple phrases: “Never give up. Always push forward.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of choice in his honor.
