Two Chicagoland Women Are Finalists in PETA’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door Contest

One a Model, the Other a Marathoner—Both Prove That Radiant Looks and Kindness Toward Others Go Hand in Hand

For Immediate Release:
April 25, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Chicago — PETA’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door 2013 contest is down to the wire, and one of two Chicago-area women—Yerika Sojo from Bolingbrook or Annie Fosnacht from the city—could take home the grand prize. That’s because they have beaten out hundreds of other entrants from across the U.S. to become two 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.”

Sojo, who grew up in Puerto Rico, is a freelance model, an event photographer, a makeup artist, and a professional baker, whose Azucar Vegan Bakery is known for its creative and delicious line of vegan cupcakes in a variety of Latin tropical flavors. What else does this super-energetic girl on the go enjoy? “I absolutely love vegan food,” she says. “I also love to advocate about animal rights!”

Fosnacht describes herself as “obsessed with fitness” and loves cooking vegan food. She has run three marathons—her most recent after going vegan. “I had more energy, more endurance, and I recovered faster than while eating animal products!” she says. What turns on this runner and professional trainer? “Men who stand up to others for exploiting innocent animals. Now that’s a turn-on!”

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.