Zestful ZAKOI

Aspiring to have their own worship center since several years, the Zoroastrian Association of Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana (ZAKOI) has been regularly organizing fund-raisers but have managed to raise only $ 80,000 (Rs 5,520,000) so far, writes president Bakhtavar Desai. "We need to collect about $ 200,000 (Rs 13,800,000) more before we can buy a small property to use as our ZAKOI Center. It will take us several more years to realize our dream if we continue on this path alone, but it could really speed up the process if we received some help from our fellow Zoroastrians around the world,” she adds.

Regular participants at religious and cultural events

Zoroastrians residing in the tri-state area of Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana number approximately 150, of whom 26 are under 21 years of age, 49 are between 21 and 40, 45 between 40-60 years and 29 over 60, states Desai. Having formed their tax exempt association 18 years ago, they organize religious ceremonies like jashans and muktads, have religion classes and camps for kids, cultural programs, participate in local culture fests and interfaith forums. The events and administration work of the Association is mainly handled by Desai, a certified public accountant who has her own private consulting firm specializing in governmental audit and program services. Raised in Nagpur, she has been living in Ohio for the past 25 years. Serving as ZAKOI treasurer is Jimmy Antia from Bombay, an investment advisor who has his own private practice. The ZAKOI center board will have three permanent members until the center is established — Giti Rostami, an Iranian Zoroastrian medical practitioner, Antia and Desai.
At the annual community jashan and muktad prayers at the residence of Bakhtavar and her husband Fred, the couple invariably host a lunch and entertainment program and request the guests to contribute to the ZAKOI Center Fund. "We end up raising about $ 4,000-5,000 each year,” conveys Bakhtavar.
Inviting suggestions and donations to augment their funds, those in a position to assist ZAKOI can contact Bakhtavar by email bfdesai@aol.com or post checks favoring ZAKOI Center Fund at 6383 Jamesfield Ct, Fairfield, Ohio 45014, USA, or make online donations at https://fezana.org/funds/zakoicenterfund or help them earn 0.05% of the purchase made online at Amazon.com since their association is registered with Amazon Smile as https://smile.amazon.com/ch/43-2089546