There’s no party like a Larry Party! Here, Larry Scott Gottesman poses at the Feinstein Summer Concert.
Hospitality legend Larry Scott Gottesman gives us a peek inside his most iconic events with the Northwell Health Foundation.
Top talent at Northwell’s Feinstein Summer Concert over the last 18 years has included Kelly Clarkson, Usher, the Jonas Brothers—and Larry Scott Gottesman. “I always wanted to be a rock star,” says Gottesman. “But my talent was never in vocals or instruments.” Instead, building on his early years as a caterer-turned-restaurateur, the native New Yorker recognized his true passion: creating one-of-a-kind parties and events. He brought together his love for hospitality and keen eye for design to introduce Lawrence Scott Events (lawrencescottevents.com) to the world and built a loyal following as a highly sought-after event planner. “I found a way to be my own kind of rock star,” he says.
A scene from a recent Summer Hamptons evening.
When the idea of a fundraising concert was first introduced to support the groundbreaking research happening at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, organizers immediately recruited Gottesman, trusting that his five-star reputation and high-impact approach would create a hot-ticket event. They were not disappointed—and every year since that first concert in 2006, Gottesman’s artistry has generated an atmosphere and energy that has helped the Feinstein Institutes raise nearly $40 million for research.
“Larry’s partnership on the Feinstein Summer Concert om its very start has set the tone for a culture of philanthropy that attracts highly influential donors who believe in our mission.”–KEVIN J. TRACEY, MD
“Larry’s partnership on the Feinstein Summer Concert from its very start has set the tone for a culture of philanthropy that attracts highly influential donors who believe in our mission to advance the scientific discovery that is changing lives,” says Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes and the Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research and professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. “He has been vital to our success, and quite simply, we could not have done it without him.”
Over the last two decades, Gottesman’s eclectic, whimsical style—defining characteristics of a “Larry Party”—has also grown synonymous with several other key Northwell fundraising events, including the Katz Institute for Women’s Health Luncheon & Fashion Event, where his talents in recreating a full-scale runway show experience have led to $13 million in support for women’s health.
Gottesman says his motivation to work with Northwell and give back by donating his time and talents over the years has been an easy choice. “I have a long personal history with Northwell and love that it does so much for the communities it serves,” says Gottesman, whose sister was cared for by the health system when she had cancer. “It’s gratifying that the events that we partner on serve as a powerful way to advance its mission.”
“Year after year, Larry makes sure that our signature events are unforgettable showstoppers,” says Brian T. Lally, senior vice president and chief development officer at Northwell Health. “His creative vision helps us engage our donors and raise awareness of important healthcare issues such as women’s health.”
Most recently, along with longtime friends and Northwell benefactors Iris and Saul Katz, Victoria Moran Furman and Eric Moran, Gottesman created and co-hosted the Summer Hamptons Evening (SHE), which highlights the work of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health. In 2023, its fifth year, the event attracted more than 300 guests and raised $1 million in support of women’s health programs and initiatives, bringing its fundraising total since inception to more than $4 million. “I could never have imagined the level of impact we could have,” says Gottesman. “I’m glad to be part of something so special.”
The Katzes say Gottesman’s dedication shines through in all his events. “It is a joy to work with Larry on annual events like SHE and the luncheon and fashion event,” says Iris. “He is a valuable partner and friend and puts his heart and soul into everything he does.”
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL STUDIOS
