Join us at the 29th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards

As a Major Sponsor, Harold would like to invite you to the 29th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (“The Chase”) on March 25th. This is an event close to Harold’s heart–he has sponsored it for many years.  This year, the DAP Health Equity Award will…

Harold’s Six Favorite 2023 Palm Springs Film Festival Moments

The 2023 Film Festival and Awards Gala felt extra special this year. After 2 years on hiatus due to the pandemic, you could feel the excitement as Palm Springs residents and honored celebrities came together again. Harold Matzner picked his top six moments from this…

Palm Springs International Film Festival Schedule and Films Announced!

The 34th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) announced that the festival’s opening night will be the World Premiere of 80 For Brady directed by Kyle Marvin, on Friday, January 6. The festival will close with The Lost King, directed by Stephen Frears on Sunday, January 15. The festival will…

Palm Springs International Film Awards To Present Sarah Polley With The Director Of The Year Award

Headshot of Sarah Polley

The Palm Springs International Film Awards has announced that Sarah Polley is the recipient of the Director of the YearAward, for Women Talking. The Film Awards will take place in-person on January 5, 2023at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running through January 16, 2023. The event will be presented by American Express and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s Center Stage 2022

On October 21st, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center) welcomed over 500 guests at their annual fundraiser, Center Stage 2022. Rob Wheeler, executive director and CEO of The Center addressed the crowd of 525, saying, “we are truly stronger together, and our…

Honoring our Veterans at the Matzner Tank Pavilion

This Veteran’s Day, Harold wants to honor all those who have served to protect our great country.  Our brave veterans are one of the many causes close to Harold’s heart.  On Veteran’s Day in 2017, the Matzner Tank Pavilion opened at the General Patton Museum,…

Harold Matzner: An Oral History

If you’ve ever wondered about Harold’s childhood, what his home life is like (hint: dog-filled), or how amazingly busy his schedule is, this article Palm Springs Life Magazine will give you a window into being Harold Matzner as told by writer David Lansing, many of…

Happy Birthday Harold!

Happy Birthday, Harold! (Yes, he really was born on the 4th of July.) As we celebrate 85 wonderful years, it’s time to revisit (and laugh again at) the prank Desert Sun front page made just for your 75th. We truly will never forget your sold-out…

See the Best of ShortFest 2022!

Want a sneak peek of the short films that are being submitted to the Oscars? Then watch our Palm Springs International ShortFest winners! At Closing Night on Sunday, June 26, 2022, the Palm Springs International Film Society honored audience favorites and jury award-winning films, including…

Toppling an Empire

Charlize Theron’s dramatic transformation as Megyn Kelly in Bombshell helps tell the story of several women at Fox News who expose CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. “Over the years, Charlize Theron has created so many memorable roles including her performances in Monster, North Country, Young Adult…” These…

Creating Change

Reception honors outstanding philanthropic individuals, businesses, and organizations making a difference in the Coachella Valley. A private event was held to honor the nominees for the 13th Annual National Philanthropy Day In The Desert, where one of Palm Springs’ biggest benefactors and Spencer’s owner, Harold…

Palm Springs Equality Awards marks 20 years of human rights activism

The Riviera Palm Springs played host to the Palm Springs Equality Awards, which acknowledged support from the area’s biggest philanthropists and LGBTQ allies. Harold Matzner was awarded the 2019 Lifetime Ally Award by former Senator Barbara Boxer was in front of the 600 attendees… Read…

2019 National Philanthropy Day in the Desert honorees named

The list of honorees to be awarded at the 13th Annual National Philanthropy Day In The Desert Awards Luncheon was announced, and includes well-known local donors like James and Sally Egan and Sally Berger. The ceremony will take place in November, where The Association of…

McCallum Theatre unveils new season to founders, benefactors

The Tamarisk Country Club played host to around 250 of the McCallum Theatre’s closest admirers and innermost family (its founders and benefactors) as the next season of performances were revealed. Among the projects making their debuts next season were  “A Christmas Story,” “The Play That…

Palm Springs Air Museum Casablanca To D-Day Gala

The Palm Springs Air Museum was host to the black-tie “Casablanca to D-Day Rendezvous With History” event, where both vets and active service members were honored while the Palm Springs High School Spirit of The Sands Band played all the patriotic hits, cocktails and appetizers…

Palm Springs Art Museum Celebrates Its 80th Birthday

The Palm Springs Convention Center was the setting for a much-talked about 80th birthday bash thrown for The Palm Springs Art Museum. Decked out in (mostly) white, guests were treated to an extravagant cocktail hour, dinner, and the giving of a 1957 Henry Moore bronze…

Elizabeth Smart…A Survivor’s Voice Of Hope

The Desert Springs Resort & Spa held the 2019 Champion Honors Luncheon, honoring 2002 abuse and kidnap survivor Elizabeth Smart as its 2019 Champion. Smart, now 31, was at the center of a horrific abduction story at the age of 14, and now raises awareness and advocates…

McCallum Theatre Gala

The 31st Annual McCallum Theatre Fundraising Gala began with cocktails and an elegant dinner at one of four of Palm Springs’ restaurants and concluded with an 8:00 performance at the McCallum Theatre.  Proceeds from this yearly event go towards arts education programs for around 40,000 school…

Spike Lee to Receive Palm Springs Festival Career Achievement Award

“Spike Lee has been an outstanding warrior for equal rights while creating an iconic body of film and television work over his 30-year career,” says Palm Springs International Film Festival Chairman, Harold Matzner. Lee will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for directing BlacKkKlansman and joins the likes…

Melissa McCarthy To Receive Award At Palm Springs Film Festival

Melissa McCarthy will be presented with the Spotlight Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival by her Can You Ever Forgive Me? co-star, Richard E. Grant. According to Festival Chairman Harold Matzner, McCarthy’s transition into a dramatic role from her comedic roots is “truly captivating and…

Dia De Los Muertos

Well In The Desert hosted a day of activities based around remembering loved ones and honoring their grave sites at Desert Memorial Park. Face painting, arts & crafts, fun carnival games, and an art contest featuring student art from the Palm Springs Unified High Schools…

National Philanthropy Day Announces Nominations

The Association of Fundraising Professionals CA got together this past weekend to announce nominations for The 12th Annual Philanthropy Day in the Desert, taking place on November 7th at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. The event acknowledges the notable philanthropists, businesses, and organizations who…

Dining Out for Life Greater Palm Springs 2018 raises $280,000

Spencer’s Restaurant, Lulu California Bistro, and Trio raised a combined $61,679 for the Dining Out For Life Coachella Valley initiative, in which 10,000 Coachella Valley residents came out strong to raise funds for AIDS service organizations like the Desert Aids Project. All in all, $280,000 was raised by Coachella…

Pets on Parade Popped Again for 20th Anniversary

The 20th anniversary for Pets On Parade was held at the Miramonte Hotel, where pet lovers and their furry friends enjoyed lunch together while enjoying each other’s company. The two charities behind the affair were Pegasus Therapeutic Riding (which provides equine therapy with rescued horses)…

Dinner in the Canyons

The 2018-2019 Coachella Valley social season got its unofficial kick-off with the 27th annual “Dinner In The Canyons,” hosted by The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.  The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring a musical performance by the Cahuilla Indians using traditional gourds, set against…

Lights, Camera, Action ACT For MS Goes Hollywood

Coachella Valley Philanthropists Sarah and Leo Milmet were honored at the Annual ACT for Multiple Sclerosis gala, which featured a 1950’s “Hooray for Hollywood” themed red carpet, complete with paparazzi, glitz, and glam. Golden Oscar-level contributors include The Auen Foundation, The Conboy Foundation, Coachella Valley…

25th Anniversary Gala Evening Under The Stars

One of Coachella Valley’s long-running and most popular events, The AAP – Food Samaritans 25th Annual Gala, Evening Under the Stars, took place at the Palm Springs O’Donnell Golf Club, complete with a sunset cocktail hour, marketplace and silent auction. The AAP – Food Samaritans has…

Well In The Desert Says Thanks At Spencer’s

The Bougainvillea Room at Spencer’s Restaurant was filled with 140 Well in the Desert supporters honoring Visionary Award winners for their work with the homeless.  The Well in the Desert organization has not only improved the quality of life in Palm Springs, but has fed, showered,…

‘Stars Among Us’ Shine For Mizell Senior Center

The Palm Springs Air Museum hosted the Mizell Senior Center’s 13th Annual “Stars Among Us Gala,” which was produced and directed by Frank Goldstin of Momentous Events and featured Michael Jackson live performer Jalles Franca. The Mizell Senior Center has spent the last 43 years…

Living Desert Celebrates 25 Years Of Zoobilee

An elegant tent complete with a ballroom, extravagant decorative touches, African-influenced beats, dancing stilted “giraffes,” and a silent auction were all part of The Silver Safari Celebrating 25 years of Zoobilee at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens in Palm Desert. Harold Matzner was among…

Waring Piano Competition: Light As A Feather

The Agua Caliente Casino Resort theater played host to the Waring International Piano Competition where feathers and fundraising were featured. Jack and Patti Grundhofer were honored with the Waring’s 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award for years of their low-key philanthropy. Fellow philanthropist and Waring’s 2014 honoree…

Desert Arc Celebrates Those Who Care

Desert Arc’s inaugural Recognition Awards Luncheon at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort brought out almost 300 guests. Desert Arc’s programs are designed to help people with developmental disabilities in the area to find jobs, find homes, have a safe place in which to safely interact…

College Of The Desert Event Full Of Good News

The on-campus event held at the College Of the Desert was, in a word, beautiful–down to the weather, backdrop, and food served. Among the announcements were a guaranteed, full-tuition, two-year scholarship program for the class of 2018 freshmen and plans for a new Digital Education…

Eisenhower Health ‘Just Imagine’

The “Just Imagine” fundraising gala aimed at bringing Eisenhower Health even closer to achieving their vision of “world class healthcare” was a tremendous success, raising $4 million. The proceeds will go towards purchasing a third robotic DaVinci Surgical System. The evening itself was elegant, to…

Steve Chase Gala Raises $6 Million In One Night For Healthcare Home

An astounding success, the 24th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala raised $6 million, all the while celebrating the biggest names in philanthropy and rolling out a welcoming red carpet complete with fashion show-level glamour. Said producing sponsor Harold Matzner (who donated $50k), “Palm Springs…

The Write Stuff: 5th Annual Rancho Mirage Writers Festival

Pulitzer-prize winners like A. Scott Berg and Bret Stephens were among the keynote speakers at the 5th Annual Rancho Mirage Writer’s Festival “Angels Only,” which hosts a forum and face-to-face atmosphere where readers and authors can meet. The theme this year was “Glorianna Britannia.” Also…

PS Museum Gala Raises $1 Million

The Palm Springs Art Museum’s “Not Your Typical Gala” was a mix of classic artwork, acrobats, and the eccentric stylings of Andy Warhol’s Americana and celebrity-influenced pop art.  The crowd was also a mixed one, with the gala hosting everyone from artists, to writers, to…

Gal Gadot, Israel’s Power Thespian

Israeli standout actress and new Wonder Woman Gal Gadot made her red carpet appearance at one of the biggest film festivals in North America… The 29th Annual Palm Springs Film Festival would screen 180 films from 77 countries with 433 total screenings, as announced by…

Desert Arc recognizes community leaders for their support

Desert Arc, a nonprofit grouped aimed at creating opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, acknowledged the leaders and businesses which have championed their cause. Among the recognized were Eisenhower Health,  JFK Memorial Hospital, Palm Springs Disposal, Destination PSP, Renova Solar. Sacred Heart Church, steered by…

8th Annual Men Of The Desert Fashion Show & Charity Luncheon

The 8th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show and Charity Luncheon raised $135,000 via silent auctions for the Animal Samaritans Rescue Program. The luncheon honored their partner SNIP, which offers mobile spaying and neutering for low costs throughout Coachella Valley. Animal Samaritans has been…

Desert Cancer’s Food And Wine Classic Was A Classic

One of the most sought-after tickets of the social season, the signature fundraising event of the Desert Cancer Foundation is the only charity event allowed at the Reserve luxury gated community in Indian Wells. The Corks & Cuisine Food and Wine Classic offered amazing wines…

Pegasus Riders Award Event Was Touching

The world-wide standard for equine therapy, Pegasus offers treatments through its riding programs to severely disabled children. In its Riders Award Event, they gave out Olympic style medals and gifted a number of wireless toys and prizes to clients. The whole effort was made possible…

Disco Fever at the PSIFF Closing Night Gala

Closing night for the 29th Annual Palm Springs International Film Fest was a trip down memory lane, with a presentation of The Last Movie Star, starring Burt Reynolds, and the announcements of the PSIFF Audience Award winners.  Skid Row Marathon was awarded with the uplifting audience favorite documentary feature…

Palm Springs International Film Festival Opening Night Gala

The Richard’s Center for the Performing Arts held a sold-out audience for Steven Spielberg’s latest project, The Post, at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Opening Night Gala. Chairman Harold Matzner welcomed the crowd and introduced the cast of the historical drama starring Meryl Streep…

Film Awards Gala Explodes With Hollywood Star Power

The star power was palpable at the Gala that kicks off Hollywood Awards Season, with names like Jessica Chastain, Willem DaFoe, Salma Hayek, and Gal Gadot gracing the guest list. Palm Springs International Film Festival Chairman Harold Matzner spoke on the fact that PSIFF Award…

Christmas Tree Lane benefits ACT for MS, Dec. 1, 2017

A crowd of 175 supporters came to the 17th Annual Christmas Tree Lane event to raise funds supporting free services for locals suffering from MS. Philanthropists on hand included Harold Matzner, Sarah Milmet, JoAnn Davis, and Kay Hanson. Read full article here

Coachella Valley Symphony ‘Christmas in Vienna’

Brought back and revamped, the Christmas dinner and symphony concert “Christmas in Vienna” was a sold out experience.  Celebrating their 25th anniversary and providing a tribute to founder Jeanette Banoczi who passed this summer, the talents of the Coachella Valley Symphony and the Buddy Rogers…

Palm Springs Celebrates Progress On Downtown Project

Though yet to be completed, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the progress completed on the downtown Palm Springs project took place, complete with giant scissors and refreshments. All this was accompanied by a free concert and grand fireworks display, underwritten by Palm Springs International Film Festival…

Harold Matzner: The Brilliant Enigma

In this follow-up to a November article discussing the influential philanthropist of many hats, a few Coachella Valley’s more influential residents discuss their relationships with Harold Matzner, how their organizations became involved with him, and the brilliance behind the man whose name has become synonymous…

McCallum Taps Dancing Legend For Lifetime Achievement Award

Savion Glover, of tap dancing, acting, and choreography fame, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the McCallum Theatre’s 20th Annual Choreography Festival. Among some of his more well-known works are Broadway hits “The Tap Dance Kid,” “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da…

Patton Museum Receives 4 Tanks and 2 New Buildings

The General Patton Memorial Museum honored Harold Matzner with the “Founder’s Award” for funding the Matzner Tank Pavilion building and donating enough to bring three military tanks back to life. Read full article here at Desert Sun

Gal Gadot’s Empowering Performance Nabs Her The Rising Star Award

Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot will be the recipient of her first Rising Star Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Says Palm Springs International Film Festival Chairman Harold Matzner: “Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman showed us a strong, capable, poised, curious and compassionate character, and…

Record-Breaking Evening To Celebrate LGBT Community Center

Over 750 attendees came out to the Riviera Resort and Spa to celebrate the LGBT Community Center of the Desert’s 8th Annual Center Stage, with speakers, video presentations, awards, dinner and more. Premier sponsors included David Hood, George Sellers, the Western Wind Foundation, and Harold Matzner….

National Philanthropy Day in the Desert Cocktail Reception

More than 100 guests were present to celebrate the announcement of the honorees for National Philanthropy Day in the Desert. Harold Matzner was in attendance as Presenting Sponsor and Honorary Chair. Click Here To Read Original Article at The Desert Sun Nov 4, 2017  

Dinner In The Canyons Unveiled Big Plans For Future

With “Mother Nature’s Ballroom” as a backdrop, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum’s annual Dinner In The Canyons kicked off the 2017-18 desert social season and announced plans for a new museum’s construction in 2018. Among the sponsors for the fundraiser that goes towards providing programs…

At POP 2017, Pets Were The Accessories of Choice

The Omni Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom in Rancho Mirage was host to the 19th annual Pets on Parade Awards Luncheon and silent auction for adoptable animals, where major underwriters included the likes of philanthropist Harold Matzner, Malinda Bustos, and Bonnie and Kurt Campbell… Click Here…

National Philanthropy Day Luncheon Celebrates Biggest Givers

Coachella Valley philanthropist and owner of Spencer’s Restaurant, Harold Matzner, will serve as Presenting Sponsor and Honorary Chair at the 11th Annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon in the Grand Ballroom of the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa… Click Here To Read Original Article at The Desert Scene October 14,…

Shellie Muujiza Makes Her Debut At The Living Desert Sanctuary

A 5’11 baby giraffe was born and christened Shellie, after Shellie Reade, the life partner of philanthropist and Living Desert benefactor Harold Matzner. The birth occurred two days after the death of another giraffe named Pora… Click Here To Read Original Article at The Desert Scene Sep 8,…

McCallum’s 30th Anniversary Continues With Family Fun Day

As part of their 30th anniversary celebrations, McCallum Theatre’s 6th Annual Family Fun Day kicked off with about 1,000 attendees (half of them children), complete with activities like face painting, balloon popping, arts and crafts, dancing, and silent auctions. Continuing the 30 year anniversary celebrations…

Mr. Palm Springs Celebrates His 80th Birthday

Businessman, one of the Valley’s top donors (with nearly $70 million given over the past 17 years), philanthropist, and 2017 Horatio Alger Award recipient Harold Matzner turns 80! His life and accomplishments are were honored in the Desert Sun, as friends, businesses, and the rest of Palm…

And the Grand Prize at ShortFest 2017 Goes to…

“Facing Mecca” took home the Best of Festival prize, which included $5,000 from the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau. Chairman of the Festival Board, Harold Matzner, stressed the significance of the experience and educational opportunities that filmmakers received as the true prize. Not…

Harold Matzner’s Latest Namesake is One Big Baby

One of the Living Desert’s youngest denizens is Harold, a baby giraffe whose namesake is Palm Spring’s own Harold Matzner, a long-time supporter and recent donator of $50,000. His philanthropy goes towards further conservation efforts of wildlife in Africa, educational trips, and improving infrastructure of the…

ShortFest Attendees Brave The Sweltering Heat for Great Opening Night

The biggest shortfilm festival in its 23rd season had a great opening night, despite the searing desert heat. Chairman Harold Matzner acknowledged Lili Rodriguez, the first-time director of ShortFest, and praised the work of the 31-year old. Upwards of 500 directors are expected to take part in…

Spencer’s Lends A Hand To The “Little Guy”

Spencer’s owner Harold Matzner invited diners to the Watercress Vietnamese Bistro at no charge, to help bolster their business and get some publicity for the newer, struggling restaurant… Click Here To Read Original Article at The Desert Sun June 4, 2017    

United Way Gala A Showcase of Generosity

Philanthropist Harold Matzner became the latest participant in The United Way of the Desert’s Gala, as a majority underwriter who made it possible for $150,000 to be raised.  All funds were to benefit United Way’s Community Impact agenda. Click Here To Read Original Article at The Desert…

24th Annual Evening Under the Stars A Festive Success

One of Palm Spring’s most festive events, the 24th Annual Evening Under the Stars, featured a delicious dinner catered by Savoury’s, a performance from Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, music by DJ Jerry Bonham, and a spectacular fireworks display. Honored at the event were Timothy Jochen,…

Celebrating the 28th Annual Gala of the Desert Symphony Orchestra

With country music star LeAnn Rimes stepping in to perform with the entire Desert Symphony orchestra and screen and stage star Ruta Lee being honored, it turned out to be a spectacular night at the McCallum Theater. Event sponsors included President Circle Sponsors Harold Matzner, El Paseo Jewelers,…

Tools for Tomorrow honors local philanthropists Barbara and Jerry Keller

The Tools for Tomorrow Vision for the Future Awards Luncheon showcased unique art, honored educators and students, and presented Barbara and Jerry Keller with the Vision For the Future Award. The program emphasizes writing, painting, music, literature, and performing arts for students–all made possible through the fundraising…

The 60-minute Opera Showcase Highlighted Upcoming Young Talent

Harold Matzner sponsored the Metropolitan Opera National Council’s 60-minute concert featuring the young talents of Baritone Colin Ramsay, Soprano Summer Hassan, Soprano Natalie Image, and Tenor Joshua Wheeker… To Read Original Article at The Desert Sun, Click Here: The Desert Sun, April 1, 2017   

70’s Themed ‘Stars Among Us Gala’ Hits All The Right Notes

The disco-themed gala benefitting the Mizell Senior Center’s “Meals on Wheels” program was a rousing success, thanks largely to generous sponsors like Eisenhower Health and Harold Matzner, Producing Sponsor Desert Regional Medical Center, and Entertainment Sponsors Jack and Patti Grundhofer, to name a few. To…

The Steve Chase Humanitarian Gala: A Merry Affair Raising Big Money

The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards was a light-hearted affair attended by numerous big-name VIPs, with big donations coming from sponsors like Jerry Keller, Steve Roffers, and Harold Matzner, all to benefit The Desert AIDS Project. To Read Original Article at The Desert Sun, Click Here: The Desert Sun, February…

Spectacular Night Hosted by Muses & Patroness Circle of McCallum Theatre

The gold-themed event consisted of prize-giveaways, a luxuriously catered three-course meal, and musical performances. Sponsors included JoAnn McGrath, Jaishri and Raju Mehta, Barbara Waddell, and Harold Matzner (also Chairman of the Board). To Read Original Article at The Desert Sun, Click Here: The Desert Sun, February 11,…

The Stars Feel At Home At Palm Springs International Film Festival

The Palm Springs International Film Festival has evolved to be a spectacular affair both honoring and attended by Hollywood heavyweights the likes of Warren Beaty, Nicole Kidman, Amy Adams, Tom Hanks, and Natalie Portman… To Read Original Article at Forbes., Click Here: Forbes, January 10, 2017

Harold Matzner Joined by Fellow Community Leaders at McCallum Event

MARC GLASSMAN, SPECIAL TO THE DESERT SUN Harold Matzner and community leaders Dennis Washington and Greg Renker were seen exchanging notes at a recent McCallum performance starring Johnny Mathis. To Read Original Article at The Desert Sun, Click Here: The Desert Sun, December 24, 2016  

Successful Annenberg Theater Opening Delights an Enthusiastic Crowd

Harold Matzner and fellow high-profile sponsors like Donna MacMillan and Arlene & Jordan Schnitzer were treated by a spectacular act from singer-actress Megan Hilty at the theater’s opening night  The event was extravagantly catered by none other than Spencer’s restaurant. To Read Original Article at The Desert Sun, Click…

Nicole Kidman to Receive International Star Award from PSIFF

NICOLE KIDMAN TO RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL STAR AWARD AT 28th ANNUAL PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM AWARDS GALA Palm Springs, CA (November 28, 2016) – The 28th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will present Academy Award® winning actress Nicole Kidman with the International…

Harold Matzner Says Farewell to Coachella Valley Icon Mel Haber

Coachella Valley icon Mel Haber passed away recently, but he left behind good memories and a lasting image. Restaurateur and philanthropist Harold Matzner called Haber “a huge asset to the community” and referred to him as a “lovable character.” To Read Full Article at The…

Harold Matzner’s nephew, Jason, wins praise for film at PSIFF ShortFest

by Bruce Fessier Not surprisingly, one of the smartest filmmakers to use ShortFest is a guy named Jason Matzner. Yes, he’s the nephew of the festival chairman, Harold Matzner. But Jason, who is Harold’s younger brother’s son from New Jersey, started as a child actor at 4, appearing in soap operas like “General Hospital” and…

Harold Matzner: Distinguished Honoree At Sunday Night Fever 2016

 ACT for MS, a local non-profit that provides therapy sessions, mobility assistance and other special support programs for free to those suffering with Multiple Sclerosis, recently held its annual March benefit gala honoring philanthropist Harold Matzner and remembering its founder Gloria Greer.  The event raised an…

Harold Matzner honored by Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

If you have not toured Cabot’s Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs, you have not seen all of the desert’s truly unique attractions. It is like a huge, historic time machine, transporting visitors back, back in time to the old west – ancient artifacts, dirt paths, and all….

Harold Matzner Sponsors Eisenhower 45th Anniversary Gala

By Betty Francis, Sunday, January 24, 2016 When Jan Salta and Suzy Leprino agreed to co-chair Eisenhower Medical Center’s 45th Anniversary Gala, they both immediately agreed on one stipulation: “It had to be a simple, elegant evening to remember.” Dubbed “Dancing Through the Decades,” their vision…

Harold Matzner Closes Film Festival, Setting Stage For Oscars

By Betty Francis This year’s closing film, “Last Cab To Darwin” (Australia) and the after party at the Palm Springs Renaissance were impressive but drew a crowd slightly smaller than last year’s final events. My observation was that this was caused by a perfect storm…

Harold Matzner Sponsors Croatian Girls Choir Performance At Event

By Vicki Blythin “Holiday in Palm Springs,” an event held and sponsored by the Hyatt Palm Springs, featured the global singing sensations, “Little Stars,” an all – girl choir from Zagreb, Croatia. They are touring the country with their creator, Conductor/Maestro Zdravko Sljivac . The…

Harold Matzner Helps Star Power Take Stage At Gala

By Bruce Fessier Fans lined the street across from the Palm Springs Convention Center, waiting for a glimpse of the stars being honored Saturday at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala. When Bryan Cranston, a local favorite as part owner of the Cinemas…

Harold Matzner Receives COD Citizens of Distinction Award

Betty Francis Just how distinctive were the Citizens of Distinction honored by COD last week? Well, any five-some that can lure 360 busy socialites to a midweek luncheon during high season has got to be pretty darn distinctive! And so they were: Donna Jean Darby, who…

Harold Matzner Raises A Paddle For Seattle Symphony

Seattle Symphony Orchestra’s (SSO) opening night and gala on Sept. 19 broke all previous records, raising $785,000 for the symphony’s education programs and more, and kicking off the season in grand style. The amount raised was almost 30 percent more than the previous year, with…

Tools for Tomorrow Honors Harold Matzner

By Betty Francis Another charity honored philanthropist Harold Matzner this month which may not make them unique, but let me tell you about this charity. It’s Tools For Tomorrow, founded 15 years ago by artist, educator and author Rachel Druten, who now teaches all those…

Harold Matzner A Humble Showman

Written by Debra Gruszecki The Desert Sun A Sunday CEO profile from The Desert Sun’s Business Plus section 11:48 PM, Jan. 8, 2011   Harold Matzner: The name may be as synonymous to the Palm Springs International Film Festival as one-time MGM Studio chief Louis B….