Prologue: The Birth and Evolution.
In the vibrant tapestry of The Group’s history, the tale unfolds from its humble origins in 2005. What began as a discreet one-night party held in a historic manse located across from the New York State Capitol quickly became a pivotal moment in the evolution of lifestyle gatherings. Guests themselves coined the phrase, “Do You Know George?”—a dual-purpose introduction to these new lavish parties on the scene and a clandestine password of sorts used to identify others in the lifestyle in a public setting—setting the stage for a remarkable journey that would redefine the landscape of exclusive lifestyle events.
Origins: A Night in Albany’s Historic Manse
The journey commenced in 2005, as The Group’s founder envisioned an intimate gathering that transcended the conventional swinger parties of the time. A historic manse, prominently located across from the New York State Capitol, became the canvas for the inaugural event. The ambiance was electric, and as the night unfolded, a community was born.
Evolution: The Addition of Pre-Dinner Gatherings
The success of the initial one-night party sparked an evolution. Recognizing the need for deeper connections, The Group’s founder, George, introduced pre-dinner gatherings the night before the main event. These intimate dinners allowed wives and single women to acquaint themselves, laying the foundation for genuine connections beyond the allure of a single night. No men were invited.
Culmination: Lavish Weekend Events
As the years progressed, The Group’s reputation for hosting unparalleled gatherings burgeoned. The evolution from one-night affairs to lavish weekend events in iconic locations like the St. Regis Deer Valley, Auberge in Napa, and the Fontainebleau in Miami became the hallmark of The Group experience.
Over the years, Members learned they could count on receiving five-star accommodations and the location of the nearest FBO. These venues contributed to The Group’s reputation of opulence and exclusivity.
Extravagance Unleashed: Grammy-Winning Musicians and Celebrity Chefs
The early weekend events set a precedent for extravagance. Grammy-winning musicians graced the stage, and celebrity chefs curated culinary delights, creating an immersive experience that transcended the traditional swinger parties. The events became more than just gatherings; they were cultural and culinary showcases. It was in 2013k, at one of these hedonistic weekend affairs, that George met his partner; a memorable New Year’s Eve hosted in a private manse on the water in Fort Lauderdale, as The Wailers performed in the living room at the 7th Black Tie & Lingerie Ball.
Unique Activities: A Signature of The Group Experience
The uniqueness of each event was elevated by activities curated for specific locations. Whether it was “Jumping Under The Stars” at the Wellington Equestrian Center, croquet at Meadowood in Napa, or fly fishing in Aspen, each event was crafted to embrace the essence of the locale.
The Ripple Effect: Notoriety Beyond the Weekend
The notoriety of The Group’s weekend gatherings became the talk of other lifestyle parties, cruises, and resorts. Conversations buzzed with tales of extravagant affairs featuring Grammy-winning musicians, celebrity chefs, and unique city-centric activities, not to mention a guest list of well-dressed, well-read, and well-traveled participants. This fame spurred an influx of would-be attendees eager to secure an invitation, marking the beginning of a new chapter in The Group’s history.
As we embark on this journey through time, we witness the genesis of The Group—a community born from a one-night party format that would redefine the very fabric of lifestyle events. Stay tuned for the next chapter as we delve into the continued evolution, the challenges faced, and the triumphs that shaped The Group into the exclusive community it is today.
