Two Chicago Natives Are Finalists in PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan Next Door’ Contest

Attorney and Sales Representative Both Sizzle With the Help of Meat-Free Meals

For Immediate Release:
April 21, 2015

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

It’s time for PETA to name this year’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door, and two Chicago-area contestants might just take home the title. Twenty-seven-year-old Shane Devins and 29-year-old Nora Kaitis beat out hundreds of other entrants from across the U.S. to each become one of 20 contestants—10 male and 10 female—to advance to the final round. Visitors to PETA.org can now help PETA decide whom it should pick as the two lucky winners 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.”

With the help of his vegan long-term boyfriend, Devins went vegan three years ago and noticed a jump in his energy levels immediately—a boost he puts to use as a full-time attorney and as an outspoken advocate for animals who attends PETA’s Fur-Free Friday protest in Chicago every year. Devins enjoys a throng of active hobbies, including cycling, singing, and playing guitar and basketball.

As a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa, Kaitis met the lovable animals destined for her plate for the first time—an experience that soon led her to make the switch to plant-based foods. Her healthy meals help her keep up the energy she needs, both as a busy sales representative and for her hobbies as a pinup model (her stage name is Ice Blondie), burlesque dancer, and passionate volunteer with local animal rights groups.

Dominick Thompson, a Chicago native and an endurance athlete who now lives in New York City, is also a finalist. 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.