Harold Matzner, the philanthropist and businessman who served as chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival for more than two decades, died Sept. 4 in Palm Springs after a brief illness. He was 88.

Over nearly four decades in the desert, Matzner donated more than $85 million to local nonprofits and helped the festival become an important stop on the Hollywood awards circuit.

Born in Newark, N.J., Matzner grew up during the Depression and worked briefly in sports journalism before entering the marketing business. He founded direct-mail advertising firm CBA Industries, which continues to deliver millions of advertising circulars weekly, and remained CEO into his 80s.

In 1999, Matzner stepped in to rescue the struggling Palm Springs International Film Festival. As chairman,

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