Panama City Beach Resident Among Finalists in peta2's 'Cutest Vegetarian' Contest

The Vote Is On as Local Vegetarian Beats Out More Than 3,000 Contenders

For Immediate Release:
May 25, 2010

Contact:
Marta Holmberg  757-622-7382

Panama City Beach, Fla. -- What does 20-year-old Panama City Beach resident Nick Birge have in common with Heroes cutie Milo Ventimiglia? Ventimiglia was a winner of PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Alive contest, and Birge is one of the male finalists in the spin-off Cutest Vegetarian Alive contest sponsored by peta2, PETA's youth division. Birge beat out more than 3,000 contestants from across the U.S. Supporters can vote for their hometown favorite by visiting peta2.com or by clicking here. Two winners (one male and one female) will be announced on June 8, and each will win a professional photo shoot and star in a peta2 ad.

"More and more Americans are going vegetarian every day, and young people are leading the charge," says peta2 director Dan Shannon. "It's no wonder: Vegetarians are slimmer, trimmer, and healthier, on average, than meat-eaters, so they're bound to be a lot cuter too!"

Birge was a vegetarian for three years before going vegan one year ago. He says that a friend turned him on to the vegetarian lifestyle after he was persuaded to watch PETA's "Meet Your Meat" video. Since then, Birge has noticed a positive change in his body, overall health, and singing voice. A musician, Birge hands out PETA videos, leaflets, and stickers whenever he performs.

To view photos and bios of all the finalists and to vote in the contest, please click here.