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

Data Consultant Sees Health Turn Around With Meat-Free Meals

For Immediate Release:
April 22, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

It’s time for PETA to name this year’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door—and 22-year-old Hartford resident Sarah Aldrich 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.”

As soon as Aldrich learned about the abuses that animals endure in the meat, egg, and dairy industries, she went vegan overnight—a natural move for someone who, as a Catholic, believes that animals are “God’s beloved creatures” who must be protected. A data consultant by day, Aldrich spends her downtime tending her garden, painting, playing piano, hanging out with rescued pups Scout and Ivy, and creating new and delicious vegan foods to share with family and friends—including Moroccan-spiced chickpeas, garlic-roasted potatoes, and homemade pesto. Aldrich says that she’s seen her health, including her chronic digestive issues, improve dramatically since going vegan. And she’s eager to find new ways to spread the word about how easy and delicious eating animal-friendly foods can be—starting with her upcoming vegan lifestyle blog (stay tuned!).

Voting for the finalists to help PETA determine whom it should select as the winners ends at noon EDT on May 1. PETA 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.