PATRICIA BEAGLE
Staff writer
Scott Schlosser started coming to Chautauqua with his grandparents and parents when he was less than 1 year old. At the age of 27, Scott set an impressive record by becoming the youngest person ever to establish a planned gift to Chautauqua Foundation. On Aug. 18, Scott Schlosser celebrated his 32nd birthday.
Scott explained that because of disabilities, he lives at home with his parents, Stacey and Bill Schlosser. “I lost a few friends very young,” Scott recalled. “During COVID, I was not sure what would happen and wanted to commit early in my life because I did not know how long I would live.”
Debbie Moore, executive director of Chautauqua Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for the exemplary, future-focused gift made by such a young person. “Scott’s gift demonstrates his leadership and passion for Chautauqua, providing a strong example for other young individuals to follow in his footsteps. Planned gifts are very personal and can be complicated, but can also be an easy way to make a significant gift, which Scott’s gift illustrates,” she said.
“Chautauqua has always been there for my family,” Scott explained. His grandparents, Deenie and Sid Schlosser, first visited the Institution in the 1980s and eventually purchased an apartment on Waugh Avenue. They kept encouraging Scott’s parents to come for lectures and the symphony. When Stacey and Bill finally took that advice, they fell in love with Chautauqua. Within 10 years, they bought an apartment near Deenie and Sid.
Scott came to Chautauqua for about two weeks each summer throughout his childhood and attended Children’s School and Boys’ and Girls’ Club. He mentioned that high school posed challenges, and he never went to college. “I was never a cool kid, but I have treasured my friendships. I still keep in touch with my friends from Club,” he said.
Scott said he enjoys Chautauqua’s lectures. “For the future, I want the next generation to be able to get the education I got from the 10:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. lectures and evening performances,” he remarked. He enjoys the variety of Chautauqua’s programs, including ballet, family entertainment and military bands. “Chautauqua has always given me the opportunity to get educated in a unique way,” he said.
“I work in the back of house for STARK Carpet, one of the most prestigious carpet companies in the country,” Scott explained. “There are so many opportunities to grow your network in Chautauqua that I see it as an in-person LinkedIn,” he said, referring to a professionally-oriented social media network.
Scott also savors quiet moments at Chautauqua. He takes special joy in walking a loop through the grounds that includes descending Bryant Avenue toward the John R. Turney Sailing Center. He always stops to savor the view of Chautauqua Lake from the hill. For Scott, that walk is a meditation opportunity. “That and the Western Wall in Jerusalem are the most spiritual places to me,” he said.
Scott is an active member of the NOW Generation, a group of young adults aged 21 to 40 who devote time, energy and resources to ensuring the longevity and continued relevance of Chautauqua. He attends NOW Gen events during his Chautauqua visits. “They always have a good guest speaker,” he said.
Tally Bevis, chair of the NOW Generation Advisory Council, looks forward to seeing Scott. “NOW Gen is only as good as the people in it, and Scott has been a valuable member of the community for many years,” she said. “Scott, alongside the entire Schlosser family, is extremely generous. Scott’s commitment to the Lewis Miller Circle as a donor to Chautauqua has been a constant, and his attendance at events lights up every room. I feel grateful to call Scott a friend, and I know Chautauqua is better off because of his generosity both in support and in spirit.”
The Lewis Miller Circle recognizes individuals who, like Scott, are under the age of 40 and show commitment to Chautauqua through annual giving. “My gift is a small token of my appreciation,” Scott said. “I also try to make an additional gift on Giving Tuesday,” he added.
Although Scott’s grandparents have died, his parents still spend summers in Chautauqua. His aunt, Alise Ford, enjoys the apartment originally purchased by his grandparents. Scott visits Chautauqua for about 10 days each summer. “At this point, I probably won’t move out or ever buy property,” he said. “I want my legacy to continue in a place that helped shape me and my family.”
Scott summed up his appreciation and hope, saying, “I think Chautauqua as a whole has shaped me. I want more people to give for the future of Chautauqua.”
