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,…

Worth a Read: 50 Moments That Shaped Greater Palm Springs

Palm Springs Life Magazine published a wonderful article this month: “50 Moments That Shaped Greater Palm Springs.”  As the list travels through history, you can see our community start to come together, from its pre-1900 foundations through the Rat Pack era. We see when landmarks…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

Children’s Discovery Museum Celebrates 20 Years

The new clubhouse at Bighorn Country Club hosted The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert for their silver anniversary. At the event were politicians like Kate Spates, Rancho Mirage council members and Palm Desert mayor Sabby Jonathan. Underwriters for the event included Carl Karcher, Harold…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

An Oral History of Mr. Palm Springs, As Told By Friends & Colleagues

Spencer’s owner, philanthropist, Chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and Horatio Alger Award-winner Harold Matzner is a man held in high regard by his friends and associates. Now, they retell their experiences with him, touching on his charismatic personality, business acumen, and accomplishments… Click Here…

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  

The 2017 Palm Springs Equality Awards

EQCA (Equality California) presented their new logo and tagline “Until the work is done” at the 2017 Palm Springs Equality Awards, where Congress Representatives joined 600 attendees in recognizing social justice for people from every racial, ethnic, LGBTQ and religious community. Presenting sponsors included Brownstein Hyatt Farber…

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,…

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    

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,…

Celebs Show Palm Springs Some Serious Love…

Jane Lynch, Ryan Gosling, and Amy Adams, among others, expressed their love for the Palm Springs community at the Variety Awards Lunch… To Read Original Article at The Desert Sun, Click Here: The Desert Sun, January 6, 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…

“Hidden Figures” to Receive Ensemble Performance Award

HIDDEN FIGURES TO RECEIVE ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE AWARD AT 28th ANNUAL PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM AWARDS GALA Palm Springs, CA (December 1, 2016) – The 28th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will present the cast of Hidden Figures with the Ensemble Performance…

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…

Natalie Portman to Receive Desert Palm Achievement Award

NATALIE PORTMAN TO RECEIVE DESERT PALM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, ACTRESS AT 28th ANNUAL PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM AWARDS GALA Palm Springs, CA (November 30, 2016) – The 28th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will present Natalie Portman with the Desert Palm Achievement…

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…

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….