Jain Society of Greater Detroit
THANK YOU FROM BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Pranam and Jai Jinendra!
Dear JSGD Members,
Hope everyone has a wonderful time during the holidays and wish all of you a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the honor of serving as JSGD Chairperson from 2023 to 2024. Over the past two years, our collective commitment has kept the Jain Society strong as ever before. We’ve accomplished so much together, and I’m deeply grateful for everyone’s dedication and support in making it happen. All this was accomplished by the leadership of dozens of dedicated and committed volunteers and teams.
Highlights from 2023–2024
● Record-Breaking Fundraising
- Achieved one of our highest fundraising totals via Fund Raising Event (FRE) in 2023 and again in 2024.
- Raised over $500,000 for the Temple during the 25th Anniversary celebrations.
- Collected a record-breaking $42,000 for Jiv Daya during 25th Anniversary program.
● Successful 25th Anniversary
- Organized a magnificent and memorable 10-day long 25th Anniversary program, bringing our community together in celebration and creating lifelong memories with various kinds of programs
- Formed the LTFMC to focus on ongoing and future Temple maintenance needs
- Undertook several large and key projects to enhance and upgrade the Temple
- Removed damaged and potentially hazardous trees
- Cleared overgrown vegetation and poison ivy from the center median and the sides to beautify and protect our property
- Repaired damage to the Shikhar, fixed and replaced the damaged ceiling, and resolved several roof water leaks
- Upgraded and renovated the kitchen with new ceilings, steel walls and additional stoves
- Resurfaced the parking lot
- Added new senior citizen, pregnant women and kitchen volunteer parking signs
- Installed ADA-compliant doors to enable easy access for wheelchairs via the ramp
- Installed new cabinets upstairs and downstairs in several locations to better organize the audio equipment, Bhagwan decorations, Puja samagri, study class and front entrance.
- Installed a brand new audio system and controls - which enables us to more effectively manage the sound in both the prayer hall and the social hall
- Established a Canopy Committee to plan and oversee possible construction of a canopy for the Temple
- Applied for a $200k FEMA Grant and are awaiting a response
- Consolidated several financial accounts into few manageable accounts
- Invested in CDs that give higher returns generating over $60,000 yearly
- Invested in a new investment vehicle that could potentially double the returns without any downside risks
I want to thank several teams and members for their dedication and self-less volunteering to help the Society achieve the accomplishments listed above.
First, I would also like to specifically acknowledge the Board of Trustees (BOT) and Executive Committee (EC) teams of 2023 and 2024. It has been truly humbling to lead the BOT, and I have personally learned a great deal from this experience. Their unwavering support, leadership, new ideas and guidance ensured these accomplishments were aligned with our community’s values, visions and requirements. The EC has worked tirelessly over the last two years to organize daily activities and programs.
Second, a special mention goes to the Fund Raising Event (FRE) teams of 2023 and 2024. Your tireless efforts bring in nearly one-third of our Temple’s annual operating expenses each year, ensuring our community’s continued growth and financial stability.
Third, I’d like to thank the 25th Anniversary team and all the volunteers for organizing a memorable celebration and raising over $500,000 during the anniversary program, plus over $42,000 for Jiv Daya. Your dedication and hard work brought our community together in a remarkable way, showcasing our collective passion and commitment.
Fourth, I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Committee (LTFMC) for courageously taking on multiple projects to upgrade our Temple. Their thorough planning and execution ensured that structural, aesthetic, and functional improvements were handled efficiently, helping to preserve and elevate the quality of our sacred space.
Fifth, I would like to thank the FEMA Grant application team. It was several weeks of dedicated effort to get the grant for $200,000 submitted on time.
Finally, I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the JSGD volunteers and their spouses and families — especially those who serve on the EC and BOT and also the many volunteers who give their time in countless ways. Their behind-the-scenes support, encouragement, and flexibility enable our dedicated members to devote time and energy to practice our Dharma peacefully.
As I pass the torch, I remain confident that our future is bright and full of promise. I encourage each of you to stay involved, bring fresh ideas, and help keep the remarkable momentum we’ve built over the years. Though I’ll no longer serve as Chairperson, I’ll continue to volunteer and provide help and guidance wherever needed.
If I have hurt anyone knowingly or unknowingly, Micchami Dukkadam. I truly and humbly seek your forgiveness.
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for trusting me in this role. Your unwavering support and commitment have been a tremendous source of inspiration.
With deepest gratitude,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees
Pritish Shah
Chairperson (2023–2024)
Jain Society of Greater Detroit
TEMPLE HOURS
| Temple Hours | Mon - Sat | 9:30AM - 12:30PM 5:30PM - 8:00PM |
| Temple Hours | Sun | 8:00AM - 12:30PM 5:30PM - 8:00PM |
| Aarti & Mangal Divo | Mon - Sun | 11:30AM and 7:30PM |
| Pakshal | Mon - Sat | 9:30AM |
| Pakshal | Sun | 8:00AM |