BIGHORN Charities Fund Raises $1Million For Cancer Research, 'Wish List'

PALM DESERT, CA — The BIGHORN Golf Club Charities announced this week that it has raised over $1 million for cancer care and treatment throughout the Coachella Valley for the fourth consecutive year, funding art and wellness programs, lodging, remote patient monitoring, bedside chairs for pediatric cancer patients and wish trips for children with life-threatening or terminal cancer.

In one of the region’s most unique member-driven philanthropic efforts, BIGHORN Members “have created something outward-facing in an initiative that directly supports the broader Coachella Valley community,” according to a recent news release.

The contributions fulfills the club’s “critical cancer wish list,” which includes art and wellness programs for 400 patients and healthcare providers, lodging at Hanson House for more than 250 patients living in rural areas, remote patient monitoring technology for Spanish-speaking chemotherapy patients, 33 high-back bedside chairs for pediatric cancer patients and their parents, as well as 10 “Wish Trips” for children with life-threatening or terminal cancer in the Coachella Valley.

The announcement was made Tuesday during BAM’s superhero-themed golf awards luncheon, the grand finale of a spring fundraising season that includes Game Day for Life, Cash for Caddies, the BAM Golf Tournament and a series of community events throughout the season.

Mellisa Silverman, BAM co-chair, spoke on the fundraiser. “Supporting BIGHORN BAM this year reflects the kind of impact I believe we’re all capable of when we lead with intention."

Among BAM’s many local contributions, this year’s proceeds will directly benefit four organizations: Desert Regional Comprehensive Cancer Center, $80,000; Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center, $404,000; Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Hematology Oncology Unit, $215,000; and Make-A-Wish Foundation, $102,000.

BIGHORN Director of Charities Kelly Levy spoke on the necessity for fundraising.

“As demand for support continues to grow, BIGHORN BAM remains committed to expanding its reach and impact across the Valley," Levy said.

Since its founding in 2007 by BIGHORN Member Selby Dunham, BAM has raised more than $15 million, including funding for five BAM vans that have traveled 350,373 miles for cancer patients who would otherwise face stressful or inaccessible transportation options.

“For many patients, that transportation is the difference between receiving treatment and going without,” Simon added.

BAM is one of three charitable arms of BIGHORN Golf Club Charities, which also includes BIGHORN Cares and the BIGHORN Scholarship Program. To support BAM or learn more, contact Kelly Levy at klevy@bighorngolf.com.