January 27, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) student chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) will travel to the African nation of Zambia this May to begin construction projects that will help bring clean water and more to communities in need. But before the group heads overseas, a crucial fundraiser is set for Feb. 3.

The charity auction to benefit EWB at UAB will provide funds to cover group travel expenses for the Zambia aid trip. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Birmingham Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 103 Summit Blvd.

Tickets are $50 per person. Wine and hors d' oeuvres will be provided by Fleming's. Dress is business casual. The live auction will start at 7:30 p.m. Auction items will include a five-day South African safari for two and a two-night stay at a historic Sonoma Valley winery. Contact Beth Briggs for reservations or additional information at briggs@uab.edu or 205-975-2424.

Money raised at the event will cover EWB members' airline tickets and other travel costs. Once in the African nation, the EWB team will begin the construction of a training center that will house educators who will promote a variety of skills to residents of the region, including water purification, adult literacy, sustainable agriculture and more.

To learn more about EWB at UAB, visit the group's Web blog from its most recent humanitarian trip to Peru in 2008.

About UAB

The UAB School of Engineering offers students real-world experience while they train in one of its degree programs, which include the only undergraduate biomedical engineering program in Alabama. Students experience cutting-edge research opportunities, industry co-ops and unique internships generated by the school's commitment to interdisciplinary learning.