I served as president of Elmhurst Swim Team in 2015-16. The two reviews from 2013 were a focus of mine and of the Board's throughout the year. We reviewed all finances back to 2010, we analyzed the 2016 budget from May until October 2015. We met with coaches (not just Dave Davis, who is a testament to what coaching should be). The reviews are simply incorrect. While my term has run, any person with a concern over two 2013 reviews that seem quite spiteful, can contact me directly. EST is a competitive swim team that drives kids to perform, engage in community as part of a team and strengthen friendships. I have reviewed the fees, facilities and practice/meet regimen of most Illinois swim teams within two hours of Chicago and I have discussed team operations with countless coaches and team directors, and EST remains a very well-run organization with rates that correspond not only to opportunity and team concept, but also to the pricing of many other teams (EST is one of the less expensive options and this is a direct result of hard-working parents and coaches who refuse to render swimming financially unavailable to Elmhurst area kids). I have never had a problem supporting this group with well over a thousand volunteer hours and plenty of donations.
This organization is one of the worst non-profit organizations, acting like a for-profit.
When the organization switched locations on the group, we found it very difficult to come for classes. I asked for a refund, or a credit, so my son could complete the classes in the Fall. They refused saying, other parents couldn't come because of the change of location, but were ok with losing their money.
The president, Amy Sanders, has 3 boys in the swim team, and I believe that's all she cares about. She was quite rude in my phone conversation, and spoke for the Board in every statement..
My son's swimming got worse during his time here- strokes are very bad now. I'm very upset I even shelled out the amount (quite expensive) for this league..
Review from Guidestar
We joined the Elmhurst swim team based on recommendations from friends. We expected great things but realized in the first week that this is just a money making business. My child's swimming actually deteriorated with the practice, so much so his strokes were worse. Then when we could not attend the second month, after they shifted location of the practices (without informing of this when we joined), they would not refund, and were extremely rude in the interaction..
I would not go back to this place, am sorry I was introduced to the so- called "non-profit", and would never recommend anyone else to join either.
The board is not very open, helpful, or compassionate. It's all about the money with this group!