What ever happened to “Do You Know George?”
A Journey from Exclusive Parties to an International Community.
In early 2005, a couple from Connecticut coined a seemingly innocuous phrase: “Do you know George?” It wasn’t a casual inquiry about a neighbor or a work colleague. Instead, it was a subtle yet effective code used to identify other professionals who might be open to exploring alternative relationship dynamics or simply those who had heard about or were involved in a lifestyle that embraced freedom and connection in new ways.
The phrase also directly referenced the lavish one-night parties hosted by George, the enigmatic founder who began throwing these exclusive gatherings at his manse in upstate New York. These events quickly became the stuff of legend—intimate affairs where trust, discretion, and indulgence intermingled in a sophisticated yet exhilarating atmosphere.
From One-Night Parties to Two-Night Events
What began as simple, one-night soirees soon evolved into more elaborate two-night affairs. The first night was an invitation-only private dinner, where women were invited to dine with George at his estate overlooking the park. It was a time for personal connection, conversation, and a chance to feel the essence of the group before rejoining with their partners the following night for the larger, on-premises party. These dinners became the heart of what set George’s gatherings apart: a deeper focus on connection and social compatibility, not just surface-level interactions.
As word spread and demand grew, these events morphed into multi-day weekend retreats hosted in luxurious locations such as Park City, Miami Beach, and other notable destinations. The one-night parties were no longer just a fleeting experience—they were fully immersive weekends, offering guests the chance to escape, explore, and connect in organic and meaningful ways.
The Shift to a More Formal Organization: The Birth of The Group
By 2015, the overwhelming popularity of these weekend events necessitated a shift. What had started as a loose group of friends and acquaintances began to evolve into something more formal. Proper vetting and guardrails became necessary to maintain the quality and integrity of the experiences. It was at this time that “Do You Know George?” shifted focus from being centered around its founder, George, to being about its growing community of members—a moment that marked the birth of The Group.
As The Group developed, Just For Dinner became the first of several in-person gatherings to ensure prospective members were a good social fit. These small, exclusive dinners were a vetting process where the founders and select members could meet with guests personally before extending invitations to the more extravagant luxury weekends. This shift laid the groundwork for The Group’s commitment to curating a membership that valued intellectual connection, emotional chemistry, and shared experiences.
An Expanding International Community and the Future
As we near the 20th anniversary of the first party in George’s New York home, The Group has grown into an international community, hosting dinners and one-night parties such as Jackets-Required and Stiletto Social in over 60 cities across five countries. With this global expansion, The Group has retained its core values: maintaining a tight-knit community where trust, respect, and shared enjoyment are paramount. What began as one-night parties has now evolved into an international network of like-minded professionals seeking deeper connections through curated experiences.
One of the most exciting milestones on the horizon is the forthcoming addition of The Group’s first members-only resort in the Caribbean, a testament to the community’s growth and commitment to offering ever more exclusive and enriching experiences for its members.
While The Group’s reach has expanded, one thing remains the same: not everyone who applies is admitted. The selection process ensures that those who become members share the same values, and those who belong always seem to find their way here.
As The Group continues to grow, the “Do you know George?” spirit lives on, echoing through new members who, like the couple from Connecticut, are drawn to something unique, inviting, and altogether extraordinary.