Harold Matzner’s legacy and generosity honored at Celebration of Life service
Shay Lawson
Watch the service below:
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The community gathered to celebrate the life of philanthropist Harold Matzner was held Tuesday at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.
The service featured tributes from family, friends and community leaders followed by a reception.
List of speakers:
• Carl Casazza , Vice President, Finance, CBA Industries• Garry Kief, President/CEO Stiletto Entertainment Group• Chief Andrew Mills, Palm Springs Police Department• Chairman Reid D. Milanovich, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians• Elizabeth Matzner, Harold’s granddaughter
Matzner, who died at the age of 88 on Sept. 4 in Palm Springs from a brief illness, was affectionately known as “Mr. Palm Springs” and was chairman of the Palm Springs Film Festival.
He was laid to rest on Sept. 10 in a private ceremony attended by close family members.
Matzner donated more than $85 million to local nonprofits, health care, education and arts for more than four decades, according to his website.
Recipients of his donations included Eisenhower Health, DAP Health, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Springs Art Museum, Find Food Bank, LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and McCallum Theatre.
Matzner was also credited with revitalizing the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
He is survived by his partner Shellie Reade, his son Devin and his daughter Laura.