The retail world turns toward Sarasota as The Mall at University Town Center prepares for its opening. But as retail leaders like Robert Taubman, CEO of mall owner Taubman Centers, swing into town, its been a local company responsible for making sure the event goes seamlessly. Mary Kenealy, owner of Mary Kenealy Events, said a charity gala scheduled for tonight has been 14 months in the making.

"This type of event requires logistical and operational precision," Kenealy said. "There are so many moving parts to it, so many stakeholders, vendors and elements. Putting together the best team and creating a cohesive structure and flow is crucial."

Kenealy said Taubman identified 10 charities that will benefit from the night's sold-out event. With 100 percent of sneak peak ticket sales going to the charities, a total of about $250,000 is expected to be raised and donated. Receiving charities include All Faiths Food Bank, Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, The Circus Arts Conservatory/Sailor Circus, Florida Studio Theater, Food Bank of Manatee, Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, Manatee Performing Arts Center – The Manatee Players, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium.

Catering is provided at tonight's event by Fête Catering and Modern Events, and there will be ongoing musical entertainment throughout the mall. "As many stores as possible will be open during the Sneak Peek," Kenealy said. "This event will allow those participating to be the first to shop the new stores. Many stores will feature special offers for that evening only." 

More than 500 people worked the event in some sense, Kenealy said, with a total of 477 combined hours of entertainment clocked along the way.  “Due to our history in this market of offering the highest quality of services and products and the wonderful relationships that we have developed with our event partners, we feel very confident and excited about the opening," she said.  

“People will be surprised and delighted by the incredible culinary stations and the variety of entertainment that they will see in one place on one night. And, of course, the star of the evening is The Mall at University Town Center.  This collection of stores and the design of the mall will be the highlight of the experience.”