Diamonds for the gala

The congregational hall of the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation (OZCF) was slated for a grand opening with a jashan on July 18, 2009. In the seven years since its inception in 2002 OZCF has been making a concerted attempt to improve the image of its 10-acre tract of land. To transform a three-port garage building into a usable congregational hall, philanthropists Behram and Rena Baxter had initiated the fund-raising in August 2007 which with matching generous donations from OZCF members was able to see the fruition of a dream in two years. This hall is expected to be ideal for "small to medium gatherings, religious events and classes,” notes a write-up by Roshan Davar who was deputed by OZCF to report on its activities.

Due to the generosity and support of the 420 guests who attended this year’s Annual Black Tie Gala at the Burlington Convention Centre on May 23, 2009 as also the business sponsors who had booked space for electronic displays and the printed souvenir a total of $ 125,500 was raised which will be directed towards the building project that will become "a vibrant center for the preservation of our Zoroastrian culture,” writes Davar. While the men came dressed in their black tie tuxedos, the ladies were elegantly draped in their garas and gowns to enjoy the gala which had for its theme James Bond-007 movies. "All the 40 tables were named after Bond movies and words related to the movies,” notes Davar. Volunteer Kermin Byramjee’s gala expertise was commended as was the cooperation of her 40-member team who had toiled for eight months. The evening’s masters of ceremony were Rahnuma Panthaky, a familiar face on the film/TV/theater circuit and enthusiastic member Cyrus Khory.

At the Ontario fund-raiser: (top) Behram Baxter (holding frame) and Rumi Jasavala (2nd from left) with Building Project Committee (top right), OZCF Gala Committee (alongside) and guests at the Black Tie Gala

The formal evening commenced with silent auction bidding for 108 beautiful and well presented items donated by individuals and corporate sponsors. Whilst enjoying their cocktails and hors d’oeuvres guests could play a hand of a card game or avail of the complimentary photo studio, courtesy Sam Gazdar and Khush Bhandari.

Before dinner, a glass of champagne and a diamond raffle was offered for $ 25 which entitled a win of diamond jewelry pieces set in white 14 K gold — 1.26 carat diamond ring valued at $ 11,200 for the first prize; earrings valued at $ 1,025 for the second prize and a necklace valued at $ 890 for the third prize. After singing the Canadian national anthem and a short grace prayer, a gourmet dinner was served in style when 21-year-old soprano Meher Pavri (Miss India Canada — 2007) presented two songs from the Bond movies. Excitement continued with a heads or tails game and a live auction of 17 items presented by a professional auctioneer — Don Stewart. Guests were dancing well past midnight to the live band, Naked Flame, while enjoying the delectable pastries, fresh fruits and hot beverages.

Acknowledging the dedication and commitment of the Gala Committee, the largesse of the donors and sponsors, particularly the Baxters, and the support of guest of honor Terence Young, MP of Oakville, OZCF president Rumi Jasavala welcomed the participation of the youth and lauded the teamwork within the organization that enables it to progress towards its goals and vision.