OZCF Gala Raises a Phenomenal $868,000 for Atashkadeh Construction – Our Time is Now
In a dazzling display of community spirit, the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation (OZCF) hosted a spectacular gala on November 11, 2023, at the Mississauga Convention Centre to celebrate the ongoing construction of our consecrated Atashkadeh and future Atash-e-Adaran fire temple. This historic evening, attended by nearly 500 enthusiastic guests, marked a monumental fundraising success, generating an impressive $868,000.
Meticulously organized by our dedicated volunteers, the gala was hosted by our young and dynamic emcees, Xarius Jasavala and Aiden Silliphant, featured live and silent auctions and a live band. The night began with a Remembrance Day tribute, followed by the National Anthem sung by Shanaya Patel and heartfelt Din-no-Kalmo prayer recited by young mobeds, before dinner was served and the live auction began. Our energetic crowd buzzed with excitement during the auctions. We then heard inspiring speeches from Adil Bhesania, OZCF President, who welcomed everyone, as well as Phil Sidhwa, Place of Worship Advisory Committee Chair, and Marzi Byramjee, Fundraising Chair, about the current state of construction, and the power and impact our community achievements have on future generations to come.
Our professional auctioneer conducted our live auction with many exciting prizes donated by members of our generous community. The call for donations triggered a breathtaking flurry of generosity, with donations ranging from $150,000 to $100, and from contributors ranging across the age spectrum with passionate speeches and dedications. It was an awesome feeling to witness contributions from younger participants, donating whatever they could, instilling confidence in the future upkeep of our place of worship by the generations to come.
The OZCF’s 10-acre property in Oakville, Ontario, Canada Is destined to become a self-sustaining revenue generating complex, fostering the growth of Zoroastrianism in North America. Planned are a seniors retirement home, commercial and retail buildings, museum, classrooms and ample parking. Your continued generosity will help build a consecrated Atashkadeh to accommodate the expanding Zoroastrian community in the Toronto area and support the ordainment of Zoroastrian priests.
We send a huge THANK YOU to the generous guests, volunteers and contributors whose support made this year’s gala a resounding success!
Inspired to contribute?
Visit www.ozcf.com or contact philsidhwa@hotmail.com or marzi@regalpresscanada.com. Together as a community, we're propelling the vision of a vibrant Atashkadeh closer to reality!
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