Oak Ridge Woman Is Finalist in PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan Next Door’ Contest

Animal-Friendly Meals Keep Compassionate Sales Rep in Shape

For Immediate Release:
April 17, 2015

Contact:
Alexis Sadoti 202-483-7382

It’s time for PETA to name this year’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door—and 27-year-old Oak Ridge resident Cheryl Gensinger might just take home the title. She beat out hundreds of other entrants from across the U.S. to become one of 10 female contestants to advance to the final round. Visitors to PETA.org can now help PETA decide whom it should pick as the two lucky winners—one male and one female—who will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of Humane Travel.

“All of PETA’s finalists are as attractive on the inside as they are on the outside, thanks to their decision to choose meals that are kind to animals, the planet, and their health,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “On average, vegans are fitter and trimmer than meat-eaters are—and of course, they spare the lives of more than 100 animals every year.”

A New Jersey native and four-year vegetarian, Gensinger dropped dairy products to go vegan last year and hasn’t looked back. Since then, her cholesterol has dropped and she puts her extra energy to use with an impressive seven-day gym regimen, packing on lean muscle. Whether she’s kicking back with her four rescued animal companions or dabbling in art in her spare time, animals are never far from Gensinger’s mind. As an active PETA member, she’s quick to sign petitions and share news with friends and family, including her supportive sister—who was inspired by her example and ditched meat. And Gensinger always keeps an eye out for animals in need: Last summer, she rushed to help a turtle cross a local road, putting on her flashers and helping him to the other side before he could be struck by an oncoming car.

Voting for the finalists to help PETA determine who it should select as the winners ends at noon EDT on May 1. PETA, whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat,” will select the winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here. Winners will be notified and announced by May 6.

For more information and to cast your vote, please click here.