Fitness Expert, Design Assistant Win PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan Next Door’ Contest

Each Victor Gets a Free Trip for Two to Maui

For Immediate Release:
May 6, 2014

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-2783

After beating out hundreds of other entrants as well as nine female and nine male finalists, respectively, 24-year-old Ashley Frohnert of Pittsburgh and 30-year-old Ryan Bate of Charlestown, R.I., have been crowned the winners of PETA’s 2014 Sexiest Vegan Next Door contest. Each will receive a free trip for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy ofHumaneTrip.com.

“Ashley and Ryan are as attractive on the inside as they are on the outside because they’ve chosen a lifestyle that’s as kind to animals and the planet as it is to their own health,” says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. “The more people get to know these two winners, the more likely they are to say, ‘Yes, please!’ to delicious vegan pasta, faux-chicken nuggets, and veggie burgers.”

Frohnert, a design assistant for TrueFit Innovation, has been meat-free since 2008 and went vegan in the fall of 2013. “I went fully vegan after learning how the egg industry violently disposes of male chicks as well as learning of the awful lives female dairy cows live and the fate of their babies,” says Frohnert, who adds that her chronic knee pain has disappeared since she adopted her healthy new diet. She volunteers with local animal shelters and even raised more than $1,200 for the local humane society by completing a half-marathon.

Bate went vegan seven years ago after watching PETA’s hard-hitting video “Meet Your Meat” and says that it’s the most rewarding decision he has ever made. His wife, Danielle, is also vegan, and the two are expecting their first child this month. Bate has worked in the fitness industry for almost 10 years and owns South County Adventure Boot Camp for Women. He has competed in myriad athletic events, including the GORUCK Challenge, the Tough Mudder, and several 5K road races.

Winners were selected based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here.

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