The Shops on El Paseo Host a Miracle on El Paseo, Honoring Bighorn Behind a Miracle – Nov. 23, 2013

Site Staff Social Scene

The Shops on El Paseo, the premiere luxury shopping destination in the Coachella Valley, kicked-off the Holiday Season on Saturday, November 23 with A MIRACLE ON EL PASEO celebrating BIGHORN Behind A Miracle (BAM) from 5 to 8 pm for the fifth consecutive year. The event featured the grand illumination of the 60-foot El Paseo Christmas Tree, tastes and sprits from the Valley’s top restaurants and wineries, the season’s first guaranteed snowfall, special events at participating retailers and spectacular Holiday entertainment.The switch was flipped on the El Paseo  Christmas Tree with it’s thousands of lights seen for miles throughout the Coachella Valley.  BIGHORN BAM is dedicated to providing critical funding needed to help in the diagnosis, treatment, research, services and education for those affected by all cancers – expanding their reach last season through their equipment donation, transportation and support services. Inspired to save the lives of Coachella Valley cancer patients, BIGHORN BAM reached an astounding $3.3 million in fundraising in six short years through a passionate, collaborative effort.

On November 23rd, this world famous shopping district was transformed into a winter wonderland with magical events and fun activities for young and old alike including “Peppermint Lane,” “Twinkle Alley” and “Candyland” areas from St. John to Wolfgang Puck Pizza | Bar. The City of Palm Desert  agreed to close El Paseo between Monterey and Ocotillo which allowed for the Holiday street festival, performances and ice skating rink featuring professional skaters as a part of the evening’s Holiday launch.

A percentage of sales that night and throughout the next week will be donated to support BIGHORN BAM in their efforts to support cancer patient services, breast cancer diagnostic technologies and educational scholarships. From Nov 23 to Dec 7, 2013 present the “Miracle Card” and 10% of sales at Bottega Veneta, James Perse, St. John, Optical Shop of Aspen, Burberry, Chico’s and Ralph Lauren will be donated.

The dynamic pop-rock ensemble, “Night Shift” of Citrus College, returned as the event’s house band. Whether performing to audiences of thousands in Japan or being the summer house band at The Hyatt in Maui, “Night Shift” is known for their consistent, high-energy performances.  Local restaurants offering Holiday tastes include Wolfgang Puck Pizza|Bar, California Pizza Kitchen, Daily Grill, Mastro’s Steakhouse, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Mikado Japanese Steakhouse, New Leaf Catering, Lavendar Bistro and Rockwood Grill.

“I am so excited to give back to Eisenhower, “ says Selby Dunham, BIGHORN BAM Founder and a breast cancer survivor of eight years. “After all, they gave me my life.” The organization marks its seventh year and is considered to be one of the largest private fundraisers benefiting cancer for Eisenhower Medical Center and also issues grants to a variety of causes helping to fight cancer from Palm Springs to La Quinta including the Pendleton Foundation.

Fred Fern, developer and managing partner of The Shops on El Paseo is honored to partner with BIGHORN BAM for the fifth consecutive year. “On behalf of our retailers, we are honored to work with BIGHORN BAM in their efforts to make miracles happen everyday in the Coachella Valley for people who are battling cancer. It’s truly remarkable what BIGHORN BAM has accomplished in six short years.“

The festivities will be the centerpiece of a 30-minute Holiday TV Special premiering on KMIR 6 on Wednesday, December 4 at 7:30 pm prior to NBC’s national telecast of the Rockefeller Lighting Ceremony with encore airings on KPSE MY 13 through Christmas Day. The program will be hosted by KMIR 6’s Gino Lamont and Elizabeth Beaubien. Check local listings for times.

About The Shops on El Paseo: Located in Palm Desert, California, the heart of the vibrant Coachella Valley, The Shops on El Paseo is the desert’s premier luxury shopping and dining destination. Worldrenown retailers and inviting restaurants at The Shops on El Paseo include Bottega Veneta, Burberry, California Pizza Kitchen, Chico’s, Daily Grill, Escada, Gucci, James Perse, Leggiadro, Optical Shop of Aspen, Ralph Lauren, Soma Intimates, St. John, Stuart Weitzman, Theodore and Wolfgang Puck Pizza|Bar. Complimentary valet parking is available on both sides of El Paseo, between Highway 74/Monterey and Sage, in front of Wolfgang Puck Pizza|Bar and Gucci. Self-parking is also available behind The Shops on El Paseo and can be accessed via Highway 74, Ocotillo and Sage. For more information visit us at www.theshopsonelpaseo.com

The Shops on El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA

Photography by Loretta Vlach