Haute Spot

Lawrence Scott Gottesman lives for memorable events and milestone moments. Especially when they are focused on philanthropy.
The celebrity event planner, who started his own Lawrence Scott Events business 30 years ago and has produced some of the East End’s largest and most successful benefit soirées — including the last few Southampton Hospital Summer Gala events, the inaugural Summer Hamptons Evening (SHE) event for Northwell Health’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health, and this year’s Feinstein Institute Summer Concert featuring Usher to name a few — is best known for his signature “more is more” approach and a well-timed reveal to the entirely unexpected.
When it’s A Larry Party™ it’s entirely possible that there could be surprise celebrity guests beyond what’s on the bill, or perhaps showgirls, drag queens, whimsical sculptures or live cascading chandeliers, or even performers from the Cirque du Soleil appearing as if out of thin air. And as with snowflakes and fingerprints, every single one is unique unto itself.
“Whatever the event, I like to tell a story,” says Larry of his one-of-a-kind productions. “It’s an entire unfolding, complete with a theme; an arc; a beginning, middle and end; and then that 20-percent unanticipated ‘pop’ of fun. Because a party is not just a gathering of people in one place. It’s not about the florist, the caterer, the photographer. It’s about the experience.”
A truly great gathering is also a juggling act of combining the high and the low, the formal and the relaxed, according to the master planner. And most importantly, it’s got to reflect the personality and the character of the host.
“Their taste, my style,” he explains.
Entertaining is an art form, especially in the Hamptons, continues Larry. That’s why it’s important to strike the right balance. And it’s equally key to remember why people want to come out here in the first place, either as host or attendee of those fabulous events.
“The Hamptons are all about escape,” the Water Mill resident says. “It’s the Monte Carlo of the world in the summer.”
But behind all the frivolity, there’s real connection and meaning here too, he’s quick to note. Philanthropic engagement and advocacy are at the top of his personal agenda.
“For me, it’s about what I can do to give back,” Larry says, adding that he’s very proud to have been a part of building so many charitable events such as Make-A-Wish, The Feinstein Institute, Southampton Hospital and this year’s SHE event, to name a few. “You can’t take out without giving back.”
And though he’s most visible during the summer, supporting the East End year-round and not just during fundraising season, is just as important as all the big benefits, he says.
“You have to be part of the community. You have to support the community,” he says. This isn’t someplace to just come in and take the money and run. It’s our home.”
That said, the off-season is most definitely a time for the busy man to recharge his batteries. His favorite things that he most looks forward to doing when he’s not working are simple. Most of his off days he keeps it very low key, with the occasional get-together to keep grounded with close friends and family, and as much “me time” as he can get while sitting in his back yard and enjoying the view.
“It’s the opposite of a gathering. I don’t need anything fancy,” he says of the moments he can grab when he’s not in party mode. “Just some quiet time to reflect where I am, what I’ve done and where I want to move forward, what I still need to accomplish.”
But that doesn’t mean that he’s never in the mood for a good time to go out and socialize, he laughs.
“Of course, if I’m really in need of a Sally Field moment from ‘Soapdish,’ I’ll head to the Palm,” he says. “That’s sure to be a scene.”