Bellingham Student Named Finalist in peta2’s 2014 ‘Cutest Vegan Alive’ Contest

As Dumping Meat, Eggs, and Dairy Products Gains Immense Popularity Across the Country, Young People Are Leading the Charge

For Immediate Release:
June 12, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Bellingham could soon be in the national spotlight. That’s because 20-year-old Lauren Boushey has beaten out hundreds of entrants from across the country to be named one of 10 female finalists vying for the title of 2014 Cutest Vegan Alive in the ninth annual contest sponsored by peta2—PETA’s youth division. The final pool consists of 20 finalists—the 10 finalists (five female and five male) who received the highest number of votes, plus 10 finalists (five female and five male) who were selected by peta2. The two winners—one female and one male—will win a professional photo shoot and a chance to star in their own peta2 ad.

“Lauren is determined to make the world a kinder place,” says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. “Kids who go vegan show respect for animals, the planet, and their own bodies, and that makes all of them cute in our book.”

Boushey went vegan eight years ago after reading the book Skinny Bitch. “I live my life by the principles of respect and gratitude, and what better way to be thankful for the life I’ve been given than by respecting my body and the lives of other living beings through plant-based living?” she asks. A senior at Western Washington University, Boushey still finds time to volunteer for animal charities, including Pigs Peace Sanctuary in Stanwood, Wash., and she raised more than $1,200 for the Humane Society of Central Washington. Boushey loves just about all vegan foods and counts kale, spinach, tomatoes, avocados, tofu, bananas, and strawberries among her very favorites. She doesn’t allow the cruel livestock trade and hunting that surround her to get her down. In fact, her life goal is to intern and work with PETA. Her simple philosophy sums up what she has to offer: “I take love and optimism with me wherever I go and do my best to always share my positivity with those around me.”

peta2 will select the two winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here. To view photos of and read more about the finalists, please click here. For more information, please visit peta2.com.