Our Mission
To build a new darbe mehr that reflects a zoroastrian ambience and better fulfills the cultural, religious and social needs of the current community and future generations. This would encourage active participation of the growing community and maintain zarathushti identity, while preserving cultural traditions and creating a sense of belonging for members.
Case For Change
The present Darbe Mehr is located on a beautiful 3.5-acre property. However, the building is not functional for our needs as it is too small for cultural, religious and social community gatherings and events (Navroze, Navjote / Sudreh-Pushi Ceremonies, Weddings, Conferences etc.). Furthermore, its prayer hall is inadequate and the outside façade has no Zoroastrian character. The building requires extensive repairs, maintenance and updates. Renovation and expansion to current code was considered and found, not only to be almost as expensive as new construction, but still lacking in Zoroastrian character.
Needs For The Capital Campaign
A 22,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art building that reflects a Zoroastrian ambience has been designed. This building incorporates the identified needs of our community:
- A generously proportioned Prayer Hall that accommodates 100 people and includes features resembling a true Atash Khadeh,
- A large Main Hall that seats close to 400 people and has good acoustics,
- An inviting outside façade and Foyer,
- A formal Library,
- Seven Class / Meeting Rooms,
- A Recreation / Game Room,
- A well equipped Kitchen and Serving Area,
- Adequate Restroom facilities, and
- A spacious Coatroom.
Project Costs
Complete Building | US$ 3,431,000 |
Outside Site Improvements | US$ 1,045,000 |
Estimate for Exclusions | US$ 124,000 |
TOTAL PROJECT COST | US$ 4,600,000 |
Current Status
- Site Plan approvals were obtained from the village of Pomona on March 13, 2014.
- The “Tipping Point” has been passed! A Ceremonial Ground Breaking on March 29, 2014 was a significant milestone for the tri-state Zoroastrian community.
- Additional $300,000 raised to cross the Start Construction Trigger Point of $3.5 Million.
- Building contract awarded to REDCOM Design and Construction, LLC on May 9, 2014.
- Expected building completion by winter 2015.
Capital Campaign
Amount Raised as of July 15, 2014 | $ 2,941,837 |
DMZT Funds approved by community vote on Dec. 8, 2013 | $ 680,000 |
Total Capital Campaign Funds as of July 15, 2014 | $ 3,621,837 |
Capital Campaign Statistics
Donor Recognition Levels
The entire property, including the new Darbe Mehr building, will continue to be called the “Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe Mehr Zoroastrian Temple” in honor of our original benefactor.
Donors for the new Darbe Mehr building will be recognized appropriately at the various donation levels listed below –
- $1,000 – $4,999
- $5,000 – $9,999
- $10,000 – $14,999
- $15,000 – $24,999
- $25,000 – $49,999
- $50,000 – $99,999
Donors contributing over $100,000 or more, will be recognized by appropriate room naming rights at the various donation levels listed below
$100,000 – $199,999 | Class rooms, Meeting rooms, Upper Foyer etc. |
$200,000 – $299,999 |
Library, Recreation Room, Meal Serving Room, Kitchen, Main Foyer etc. |
$300,000 – $399,999 | Main Hall |
$400,000 and above | Prayer Hall |
The existing Darbe Mehr Donation Recognition Board will continue to be displayed at a suitable area in the New Darbe Mehr.
We Would Love To Hear From You…
Since the new Darbe Mehr building project was initiated by a committed group of 16 individuals with $500,000 on October 10, 2010, we now have $3,621,837 from 231 supporters….a testament to the hard work of our champions!
If you would like additional details about the project, please contact Edul Daver at edul@zagny.org
We would greatly appreciate your support and urge you to favorably consider joining our list of growing supporters. Please find a Pledge / Donation Form below.
Dowload our entire brochure in PDF Format
You can donate ONLINE using a credit/debit card as mode of payment.
Thank you for your interest in the New Darbe Mehr Building, New York!