ZAKOI (Zoroastrian Association of Kentucky, Ohio & Indiana) successfully reached the milestone of purchasing its very own Dar-e-Mehr property, thanks to the consistent efforts of ZAKOI President – Bakhtavar Desai. PT had earlier (April 2024) published a global appeal by ZAKOI for donations, to procure the Worship Center. The property was finally purchased on 27^th June, 2024, with help from donations amounting to $ 3,50,000.

The next step involves remodelling some areas in the building into the Center and Dar-e-Mehr. The facility will house a Prayer Room, a large Reception Hall with a stage, a Fellowship/Dining Hall with attached kitchen, a Library, a Nursery/toddlers Play Room, a Game Room for older kids/youth, a Meeting Room, and 3 Bathrooms, including a new ADA compliant bathroom and a large parking lot. Renowned architect, Cyrus Rivetna (Principal – Rivetna Architects, Chicago), who has designed Zoroastrian Atash Kadeh Prayer Halls, will design the layout of the Prayer Room and the ZAKOI Reception Hall where community members could host events like navjotes, weddings etc.

Expressing gratitude to all the donors for their generosity, Bakhtavar Desai shared, “On behalf of our entire ZAKOI community, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to all who came forward for helping our small community to realize our dream… after almost two months of due diligence under the able guidance of Advisory Board Member – Rayomand Bhumgara (President, Sustainable Strategies 2050). We are estimating the remodelling will cost us another $300,000. We have almost $100,000 available to use for our remodelling project which will commence in 6 – 8 weeks. Dear fellow Zarthushtis, we appeal to you one last time to see us through the finish line!”

Those looking to donate towards this cause are requested to email Bakhtavar at bfdesai@aol.com