New York Power Couple Could Win PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan Next Door’ Contest

Business-Savvy Duo Says Plant-Based Food Keeps Them Energized

For Immediate Release:
June 2, 2016

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

It’s time for PETA to name this year’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door—and a New York couple might take home the title. Thirty-six-year-old Hilary Rowland, 36, and Michael Rowland, 35, beat out scores of entrants from across the U.S. to become one of 10 female and 10 male contestants, respectively, to advance to the final round. Visitors to PETA.org can now help PETA select the two lucky winners—one woman and one man—who will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of Humane Travel.

“Nothing gets hearts racing like someone who’s healthy, fit, energetic, and passionate about helping others, and that description fits vegans to a T,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “All the sexy vegans in PETA’s contest are already winners because they’re saving animals one delicious plant-based meal at a time.”

Hilary is the founder of Urbanette, a lifestyle magazine that promotes vegan living. She and her entire extended family went vegan after learning about industrial animal agriculture together—a move that Hilary credits with giving her clear skin and no longer making her feel bloated and sluggish after meals. The Ontario native is a vocal animal advocate who returned wedding gifts made with down after viewing PETA’s exposé narrated by fellow vegan Alicia Silverstone.

Michael is a wealth adviser at Morgan Stanley who focuses on socially responsible investing, which includes screening for animal welfare. He educates clients on the financial risks of investing in industries that exploit animals and is organizing a conference on the future of plant-based food technology. Since going vegan—a move inspired by his wife—he says he feels younger and has fewer body aches, more energy, and a clearer mind. Together, Michael and Hilary enjoy traveling, meditating, and spending time with their three rescued cats.

Voting for the finalists to help PETA determine whom it should select as the winners ends at 12 noon EDT on June 7. 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 June 14.

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

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