[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 174 (Friday, November 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. HAROLD MATZNER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MARY BONO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 9, 2007

  Mrs. BONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute 
to a dear friend and constituent, Mr. Harold Matzner. On November 17 of 
this year, Mr. Matzner will be honored as the 2007 Good Samaritan of 
the Year by the Desert Samaritans of the Coachella Valley in our great 
State of California, and I am pleased to extend my sincere 
congratulations to Harold for this well-deserved recognition.
  Mr. Matzner has been a resident of Palm Springs for over 25 years, 
and during this time he has established himself as one of the 
outstanding philanthropic and civic leaders in our community. Harold's 
generosity is legendary. His energy, passion, and tireless advocacy for 
numerous worthwhile causes benefit all those who live in and visit Palm 
Springs.
  A close friend and neighbor, Harold was also an invaluable supporter 
of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The festival was 
founded by my late husband, the Honorable Sonny Bono, when he served as 
mayor of the city of Palm Springs.
  Harold is widely credited with revitalizing the festival and ensuring 
its continued success as a member of the festival board, board 
chairman, vice-chairman and, most recently, as chairman emeritus. 
Without his devotion to the festival and impressive business acumen, 
the festival would simply not have attained its current status as one 
of the premier celebrations of the art of cinema in the United States.
  In addition to his efforts on behalf of the Film Festival, Harold 
serves as chairman of the McCallum Theater, is an executive committee 
member of the Palm Springs Art Museum, and chairman of the Palm Springs 
Tennis Club Members Association. But his contributions to the community 
are not limited to these leadership roles. Harold is also a driving 
force in support of the Stroke Recovery Center, Temple Isaiah, Desert 
Aids Project, and Animal Samaritans, along with many other charitable 
causes.
  Harold has established a long and successful business career as CEO 
of a major branding, advertising, and marketing company, and as the 
owner of a local Palm Springs landmark restaurant, Spencer's at the 
Mountain. He brings the same commitment to success to both his business 
ventures and his philanthropic activities, and our community has been 
greatly enhanced by his generosity of spirit and hard work.
  Countless community and civic leaders have benefitted from Harold's 
insightful guidance and counsel. He is truly one of our community's 
treasures, and I am greatly honored to pay tribute to him today for his 
achievements and contributions to the citizens of the desert.
  I want to join with the rest of our community in extending my 
appreciation and congratulations to Harold for this most fitting honor. 
And I encourage my colleagues to join me in celebrating this remarkable 
man, my dear friend, Harold Matzner.

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