Harold Matzner, philanthropist and chairman of the Palm Springs Film Festival, died at the age of 88, with several Coachella Valley officials remarking Friday about his legacy.
Matzner, affectionately known as “Mr. Palm Springs,” died Thursday in Palm Springs after a brief illness, according to a statement by the Palm Springs International Film Society.
He donated more than $85 million to local nonprofits, health care, education and arts for more than four decades, the film society announced.
His donations to nonprofits included Eisenhower Health, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Find Food Bank, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and the Palm Springs Art Museum.
“The city of Palm Springs owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Harold Matzner. 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 and Palm Springs, and millions of dollars to our local economy along with priceless media impressions highlighting our brand in every corner of the world,” Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte said in a statement.
Matzner donated about $250,000 to Coachella Valley Repertory in Cathedral City to help renovate the theatre and was chairman of the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.
“His mantra was simple yet powerful: `Never give up. Always push forward.’ He truly lived by those words, making magic for everyone he loved,” Cathedral City officials said in a statement Friday.
PSIFF Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi said, “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.”
Services will be announced at a later date.