Marching toy soldiers, a Dixieland style brass band, the Grinch, and of course Santa Clause and his elves were just a few of the sights and sounds of the 12th annual A Miracle on El Paseo, benefitting BIGHORN BAM. The evening’s event raised $83,355 thanks to The Shops on El Paseo, area restaurants, and the guests who attended the holiday-themed event.
“Nearly 3,000 people attended our annual event which has grown tremendously since we first started 12 years ago,” said BIGHORN BAM Chairwoman Debi Aarthun. “A Miracle on El Paseo has become a tradition that our community looks forward to each year, and we are grateful to be able to assist so many people with the money raised. I couldn’t be more proud of our community and thank them and The Shops on El Paseo for all their support.”
BIGHORN BAM Founder Selby Dunham, Chair Debi Aarthun, and co-chair Cathy Johnson, Palm Desert Mayor Susan Marie Weber, and the evening’s emcee Haley Clawson welcomed the crowd and flipped the switch, lighting the glorious 60- foot tree atop The Shops on El Paseo, as onlookers cheered and confetti rained down like snow.
Following the tree lighting, all eyes turned to the stage where models strutted the catwalk in a designer fashion show featuring stores along El Paseo. Other family-friendly entertainment included a five-story ferris wheel, an interactive snow globe perfect for photo ops and music by Stevie Nicks Illusion and The Dreamboats.
“On behalf of our retailers, we are honored to be a part of A Miracle on El Paseo and help make a difference for those fighting cancer,“ said Fred Fern, Developer and Managing Partner of The Shops on El Paseo. “It’s truly remarkable what BIGHORN BAM has accomplished through the years and we are thrilled to be a part of that.”
Sponsors and partners of this year’s event included the City of Palm Desert, IndiGO Auto Group, Hot Purple Energy, KESQ and Rapport International Furniture.
According to Dunham, BIGHORN BAM has transformed over 100,000 lives and has made millions of miracles happen. The non-profit organization has raised over $8.7 million in its 12-year history.
Next year’s A Miracle on El Paseo, celebrating its 13th year, is slated for Saturday, November 21, 2020. For more information about BIGHORN BAM, visit bighornbam.net.
About BIGHORN Behind A Miracle (BAM)
Founded in 2007, BIGHORN Behind A Miracle (BAM) was established by local cancer survivor Selby Dunham and is dedicated to providing critical funding needed to help in the diagnosis, treatment, research, services, and education for those affected by all cancer. BAM has donated over $8.7 million to local charities and has assisted more than 100,000 patients in their treatment of cancer. Donations support improving existing treatment and diagnostic equipment, purchasing new equipment, transportation, and helping those that need assistance. Through the BAM Van transportation service, BAM has provided more than 12,000 rides to assist people in getting to and from their treatment. For more information, visit www.bighornbam.net.
About The Shops on El Paseo
The Shops on El Paseo, a luxury retail district in Palm Desert, the heart of California’s Coachella Valley, is located 15 miles from Palm Springs, California and easily accessible from Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. With complimentary valet parking offered seasonally and ample self-parking available behind the storefronts, the stylish shopping and dining destination is designed with world-class service and the luxe desert lifestyle in mind. For more information, visit www.theshopsonelpaseo.com.
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