The UCF community is invited to learn about an alumna’s work in Haiti and efforts employing Haitian artisans to make sandals from tires.

Julie Colombino’s Orlando-based organization, REBUILD Globally!, is hosting a “Sandal Premiere Party” from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the First Presbyterian Chuch in downtown Orlando.

Colombino, who was featured in an Orlando Sentinel story on the one-year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti, is a 2007 graduate of the Department of Public Administration’s Master of Nonprofit Management.

From its Facebook event posting, the nonprofit explains the event as:

Attendees will learn about RG’s present and planned work in Haiti, as well as volunteer opportunities based stateside and in Haiti. Most importantly, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase RG artisan products at socially responsible prices. For every pair of sandals purchased ($25.00/pair), one pair will be donated by RG to a Haitian orphanage.

The cost is a suggested donation of $25, which employs a Haitian artisan for one week.

Appetizers and light refreshments will be served, courtesy of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. To the tunes of live entertainment, attendees will have the chance to win raffle prizes and purchase RG products.

RG Founder and CEO Julie Colombino will be sharing her thoughts on the condition of Haiti one year after the earthquake.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by sending an e-mail to REBUILDGlobally@gmail.com with their contact information and the number of guests they’ll be bringing.

REBUILD Globally! utilizes recycled materials to restore neighborhoods and lives. Its research-based programs focus on agricultural production, community development and creation of income-generating opportunities for under-served populations.

One of the event’s organizers, Crisely Melecio Zambrano, is a UCF political science student who works with REBUILD Globally! on marketing the Haitain-made sandals.

UCF is committed to supporting long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts in Haiti. Its Task Force H.O.P.E. is made up of faculty and staff members, administrators and students. To learn more about volunteer opportunities and UCF’s focus on Haiti, visit Task Force H.O.P.E.’s website.