Now that the dust has settled..

We, Sallie and Nancy, had plenty to worry about while planning the reunion. As the time was nearing we began to receive reports of various complaints about the very company we had hired to produce our reunion. It was so close to the reunion date, and our classmates had already sent in their money for tickets and reunion booklets that we couldn’t just break our contract with Elite Reunions and start over at that point. We began to call and email the company and demand attention. We managed to meet in person with the owner, Rhen, and we were reassured by her that the rumors and complaints we were receiving were exaggerated and our reunion was in good hands. We were still skeptical, but felt we had no other option so late in the game.

Thankfully they fulfilled their obligation with our reunion. I know there are some people that were dissatisfied with various things such as the food, but from our point of view the bigger issue was, will they show up at all and put on our reunion? We were so worried that everyone would show up and there would be nothing, just people milling around in the parking lot all dressed up and angry that they had sent in their money in good faith. Thankfully there was a reunion, with food and music and decorations and pictures and name tags, basically everything that had been promised. Sallie and I were so relieved! The email below is one that we received right before our reunion, some complaints mostly about decorations. We thought, decorations? Who cares! At least the reunion company showed up! The next email we got was a month after our reunion and it looks like the worst actually happened to another class. Below is the email we received about a month after our reunion. It seems that our class just dodged the bullet; the next class had the worst happen!

Some of our classmates who sent in extra money for additional things may not get them. I know I sent in receipts for things I purchased for the reunion that I will probably never get back. None of my emails or calls have been returned. I don’t think there is anything I can do to collect. I am just grateful that the amount of money was under $50.00.

Even before I heard about the company defaulting on one of their contracts I knew I would never recommend or use them again. In fact I would discourage anyone from using that company, or maybe even any company. If enough people can come together to plan the next one we can avoid the chance of this ever happening.

Subject: Re: rhen@elitereunions.comRE: Difficulty with Elite Reunions

Bridget,

We just had our reunion this past Saturday. It was a disaster. Our programs listed songs and movies that were released in 1997 however the entire program listed the wrong year – 1987. For instance it said “In 1987, a gallon of gas cost $1.22.” In addition, our school colors were green and gold and the room was set-up with black linens (which we did request) but with red napkins and green, gold, and purple balloons. We joked that we were actually either a New Orleans Mardi Gras High School or that our new mascot was the Pirates.

In addition, our DJ was useless. He did not say one word to get the crowd dancing or motivated nor did he give any direction to the guests as to what was happening and when. The awards we chose were never given out.

When one of our committee members approached the Elite Reunions staff regarding the issues, they stated – ” You know, Rhen has cancer so you really should be giving her a break rather than being a bitch.” We were floored at the language and the rude behavior we received from the staff. We told this girl that if Rhen was not up to running her company that she needed to hire someone who could or close the doors. She should not own a company if she does not have the ability to follow through on her contracts.

The room was also set-up for about 50 guests. When we asked for 2 more tables to be set-up, it never happened. We ended up having a lot of people show up at the door to buy tickets and nowhere for them to sit. We ended up at the hotel bar because it was the only place where everyone could fit and sit down if they wanted to.

I must commend the hotel staff because the room did look beautiful, the food was good and the hotel staff was wonderful. However everything that Elite Reunions set-up or touched was a disaster.

I have already hired a lawyer to represent our class due to breach of contract and inability to perform services that were paid for.

Best of luck to all of you. I highly recommend you all terminate your contracts and find a new company.

Warm Regards,
Jessica Gesell
Moorpark High School

Here is the last email we received about the reunion that didn’t happen.

Hello everyone:

Temescal Canyon Class of 1997 was supposed to have had our reunion on Saturday night. I met with Serena from Elite last Friday and everything was a go. We reviewed all the details for the night and looked at our alumni list. This past Friday night I received a phone call from Pala Resort saying that Serena had called them stating that the company was bankrupt and our reunion was cancelled. As you all know, its impossible to cancel a reunion the night before, so I did the best I could. The hotel was nice enough to let me have the room for free and use the deposit money that Elite Reunions had put down for food. The DJ showed up because he was not contacted by Elite that they went out of business I had to beg him to stay and offered to help him collect donations for his time. Which I did, however, it was absolutely the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever had to do. We had no dinner, no decorations and the room the size of a large shoe box. Thank god for the bar!!!

I write this email for two reasons. 1) I believe that there are other classes out there that have not yet had their event. If you are part of a committee that has an upcoming reunion please contact me either through email or my cell phone listed below. Its my understanding that Rhen has left the

2) Jessica from Moorpark mentioned legal action against Elite. Has anyone pursued this option? I’d appreciate any details you can give (lawyer’s name, etc.) The DJ and the hotel staff gave their contact info and said they’d be happy to be a part of any sort of lawsuit against Elite. I’m trying to figure out how to get those that pre-paid their money back. Does anyone have any ideas?

I’d certainly appreciate any information, help or guidance that you could give me.

Thanks,
Bridget Hatton
SheaHomes, Inc.
Purchasing Agent

So that is the latest we have heard about Elite Reunions.  If you have tried to reach them and have had no success, this may be why.  I don’t know if they did actually declare bankruptcy or not.  If you sent in money for extra services and have not received them, as I have not received the money they owe me, I would say it is a loss.  Hopefully no one sent in too much money or lost too much.