Young And Want Wellness? Elmhurst Group Forms, Dozens Join

ELMHURST, IL – A 2025 Elmhurst University graduate wants to bring people together who are passionate about health, wellness and living a balanced lifestyle.

Gianna Colantuono has founded an event-based community, the Elmhurst Wellness Society, which she said has gained 70 members in the last two months.

"Our goal is to make wellness fun, social, and accessible while creating opportunities for people in the community to connect with one another, especially post-graduation," Colantuono said in a statement to Patch.

So far, the group has hosted rave yoga, outdoor Pilates at the university, a question-and-answer session with a dietitian, and other wellness-focused programs, Colantuono said.

She said the society is open to anyone throughout the Chicago suburbs. The target age group is 18 to 30, with a focus on meeting new people, building friendships and creating a sense of community after graduating from college.

Membership is $25 per month, but it doesn't automatically renew. Members can choose which months to take part and sign up accordingly.

Two events are held each month. Four are set for October.

The group is planning a pickleball tournament benefiting breast cancer research, with all proceeds being donated.

"The more people who participate, the more money we'll be able to donate to breast cancer research," Colantuono said.