Sterling Heights Native Is a Finalist in PETA’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door Contest

Compassionate and Super-Fit Model’s Inner Beauty Shines Through

For Immediate Release:
April 23, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Sterling Heights, Mich. — PETA’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door 2013 contest is down to the wire, and 29-year-old Rachelle Ryerson, who grew up in Sterling Heights and now lives in Las Vegas, could take home the grand prize. That’s because she has beaten out hundreds of other entrants from across the U.S. to become one of 10 female contestants to advance to the final round. Two lucky winners (one female and one male) will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of HumaneTrip.com. Although the annual contest dates back to 2004, this is the first year that participants must be vegan.

“Going vegan can help make you feel better on the inside, look better on the outside, and save more than 100 animals a year from the violence of factory farms, slaughterhouses, and fishing nets,” says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. “On average, vegans are fitter and trimmer than meat-eaters are, and that makes them sexier, too.”

“I love what I am doing for myself, the animals, and the environment,” says Ryerson. “I never had so much energy. I wake up and feel good every day.” In fact, Ryerson—who counts French acting legend and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot among her role models—recently convinced two of her closest friends to kick the meat habit, and she created a Facebook page titled “Vegan 2013.” A model who’s used to being in the public eye, Ryerson has worked as a ring-card girl for boxing matches at The Palace of Auburn Hills, graced the pages of Maxim magazine, and also done some acting. Her interests include working out, cooking, traveling, writing, photo editing, cosmetology, and fashion.

Voting for the finalists to help PETA determine the winners ends at 12 noon EDT on May 3. PETA will select winners based on several factors, including vote count. See full contest details here. Winners will be notified and announced by May 9.

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