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Remembering Harold Matzner: Palm Springs’ Reluctant Legend

Harold Matzner never sought the spotlight, but the spotlight seemed to follow him. For more than thirty years, he helped shape Palm Springs into the cultural and philanthropic hub it is today, all while quietly building a business legacy that began thousands of miles away.

In New York and New Jersey, Matzner’s marketing firm broke new ground with the concept of targeted “shared mail,” a business model that gave retailers a cost-effective way to reach households and reshaped an entire industry. That entrepreneurial spirit, sharpened in the boardrooms of the East Coast, later found a welcoming home in the California desert.

Matzner arrived in Palm Springs at a time when the city was reinventing itself. He became the proud owner of Spencer’s Restaurant, a landmark that marries fine dining with a warm, relaxed atmosphere. It was here, over brunches and dinners, that locals and visitors alike came to understand Matzner’s talent for creating spaces where community could flourish.

But his greatest gift to Palm Springs may have been his determination to keep its cultural heart beating. As chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Matzner transformed a struggling event into a world-class celebration of cinema. What began as a regional gathering is now one of the most prestigious festivals in the industry, drawing stars, filmmakers, and audiences from across the globe — a legacy forever tied to his leadership.

Matzner’s philanthropy extended far beyond the red carpet. From hospitals and universities to museums and animal shelters, his generosity touched nearly every corner of the Coachella Valley. He believed wealth was best measured not by accumulation, but by the ability to uplift others.

On September 4, 2025, Harold Matzner passed away at Eisenhower Health in Palm Springs following a brief illness. He was 88. Funeral services will be announced in the coming weeks. In keeping with his lifelong generosity, his family has asked that donations be made to a charity of choice in his honor.

Matzner leaves behind more than a business legacy or a restaurant empire. He leaves behind a city transformed — a desert that, thanks to his vision, shines a little brighter.