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.” 

The Saks Fifth Avenue at the new University Town Center is a breathtaking homage to style and elegance. Nestled amongst the finery on the second floor is Sophie’s Restaurant. Named for Sophie Gimbel, the iconic lead fashion designer for Salon Moderne of Saks Fifth Avenue from 1929, the restaurant seeks to capture the essence of their muse and her simple, fresh designs. Sophie’s features the kind of impeccable service and exacting aesthetic one would expect from an exclusive club but manages to do so with genuine warmth. The rooftop patio is an oasis of clean white lines and flowering vines and the kitchen and bar collect basil, mint and various other herbs from the patio garden. The menu reveals attention to detail with an emphasis on flavor, elevating a simple Garden Salad with the addition of beets and key lime vinaigrette and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Neuske’s bacon and fig jam. Under the helm of Executive Chef Dianna MacPhee, Sophie’s promises to be an exciting addition to the Sarasota restaurant scene as well as the best excuse to go shopping that we’ve yet to find.  

 Leading home furnishings destination Crate and Barrel, known for timeless design and great value, announces the opening of its newest store in Sarasota, Florida. Located at The Mall at University Town Center, the new Crate and Barrel store will open to the public on October 16^th, 2014. Occupying more than 18,000 selling square-feet on two levels, the new store will showcase Crate and Barrel’s signature collection of thoughtfully designed housewares, seasonal items and accessories, as well as indoor and outdoor furniture lines.  

Crate and Barrel

AquaNew recently joined forces with businessman Greg Jordan to sell Watt-Ahh an ultra-pure, high-energy form of water, online at the Just Right Buys Webstore on Amazon.com. Customers continue to use Amazon and other online shopping venues to discover new product innovations that make their lives better, and where they can download shareable health-related information with their friends and family. Jordan, who has a career spanning more than 20 years in corporate leadership positions at several major U.S. companies, agrees with the commercial success of this social-buying trend and is excited about the new partnership with AquaNew. 

AquaNew

Caché, the iconic fashion brand and retail destination, will host a grand opening for its new boutique in The Mall at University Town Center on Oct. 16. The shopping center will house the new 1,650-square-foot Caché store, which will carry Caché apparel and accessories such as jewelry and handbags that complement the ready-to-wear fashions. The Grand Opening will include a ribbon-cutting by Caché CEO Jay Margolis, gift card giveaways, refreshments and an exclusive 30-percent discount off all regular-priced merchandise.In addition, Caché “TREASURED” members will receive double points on purchases. 

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