BEVERLY CENTER’S 2008/09 HUNKY SANTA WINNER SELECTED
Former Motivational Speaker-Turned-Actor Nabs Coveted Title

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, Calif. -- After an exhaustive two-month search that began with more than 350 applicants, Beverly Center has crowned Hunky Santa for 2008/09. ELI WILHIDE, this year’s “Hunky,” will don the signature red velvet costume and make his official debut at Los Angeles’ premiere fashion destination at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 28th.

A former speaker with Tony Robbins, Eli Wilhide, now an actor, has appeared on “CSI Miami” and Disney’s “Suite Life on Deck.” The 6’ 1” all American, guy-next-door with brown hair and hazel eyes, can be found at this year’s Snow Globes Polar Express display (opening 11/7/08), a whimsical holiday offering at Beverly Center’s Grand Court during evenings and weekends.

Beverly Center’s search for an alternative to the traditional Santa Claus began in 2001 and has resulted in an international phenomenon that continues to make headlines across the globe. Former Hunky Santa, Greg Plitt, appeared on this season’s hit Bravo network television show, “Workout,” and was named one of “The 25 Fittest Guys in America” in Men’s Fitness.

Hunky Santa was never intended to replace the beloved Saint Nick or “Classic Santa” who also makes his annual appearance in the center. Many see Hunky Santa as a little something for the ‘big kids’ to enjoy and look forward to each year. This year’s Hunky Santa, Eli Wilhide, will also be making appearances at charitable events all across the Southland this season and create a list of Beverly Center’s Top Ten holiday gift items from stores like Ferragamo, Traffic, Bloomingdales, Lids, and more.

Beverly Center is Southern California’s premiere fashion destination with 160 distinctive specialty boutiques and restaurants reflecting the diverse styles and tastes of Los Angeles, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry and Dior, as well as, point of difference retailers like Traffic, Politix, Ed Hardy, Calvin Klein, Ben Sherman, Karen Millen, Custo Barcelona and the only J. Lindeberg on the entire West Coast. Beverly Center is located at La Cienega, San Vicente, and Beverly Blvds. at the edge of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The center is anchored by Bloomingdale’s and two Macy’s locations. For more information, please visit www.beverlycenter.com and www.hunkysanta.com or contact Steve Valentine at Valentine Group L.A. at 323.571.8003 for interviews, appearance schedule, and photography.