Wilmington Woman Is Finalist in PETA’s ‘Sexiest Vegan Over 50’ Contest

Fans Can Help PETA Choose Winners by Voting for Their Favorite Meat-Free Man and Woman on PETA Prime’s Website

For Immediate Release:
October 15, 2014

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

It’s no secret where sexy celebrities Ellen DeGeneres, Samuel L. Jackson, and James Cromwell get their energy—they all attribute it to going vegan! And it’s their example that inspired PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—to launch its annual Sexiest Vegan Over 50 contest. This year, PETA has narrowed the field down to seven men and seven women—and 61-year-old Wilmington resident Niko Simon is among the finalists. The contest is sponsored by PETA Prime—a resource for baby boomers who want to live a healthy, humane, and rewarding life.

“While many baby boomers have had to reach for pills to fight high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and impotence, older vegans tend to be slim, healthy, and energetic,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “One look at PETA’s finalists makes it clear that the only thing sexier than being passionate is being compassionate.”

When Simon isn’t busy working as an animal caregiver, she participates in local demonstrations in support of animal-related issues, including protests against circuses. Simon also enjoys hiking, kayaking, swimming, reading, and spending time with her two rescued dogs, Bellarose and Blondini. “Vegan means beautiful inside and out,” she says. “When you are kind and compassionate inside, it glows on the outside.” Simon credits vegan meals with helping her maintain a healthy weight and level of cholesterol as well as a “clear head and clear conscience.”

Visitors to PETAPrime.org can see photos of all 14 finalists and cast their votes through October 20. Two winners (one male and one female) will be announced on October 22. PETA will select the winners based on several factors, including vote count, and each winner will receive a three-night stay for two at the beautiful Guatemalan eco-resort Laguna Lodge, a PETA photo shoot in Los Angeles, and a selection of goodies from the PETA Catalog. See the full contest details here.

For more information, please visit PETAPrime.org.