Chris Wollstein

Chris Wollstein has been a dedicated vegan since 2007 and believes in the power of spiritual enlightenment. He practices yoga and meditation regularly. As a vegan, he follows a way of eating that is stricter than the standard vegetarian diet. He abstains from all animal products, including dairy, and does not wear leather. He focuses on eating raw foods. The theory behind the practice, which Chris Wollstein enjoys but does not follow exclusively, is that food loses some of its nutritional value when heated or cooked. Most people who follow raw food diets are vegans, because consuming raw red meat, poultry, or fish can sometimes present health issues.

Mr. Wollstein, who was born on Long Island, New York, moved with his family to Boca Raton, Florida, shortly after his birth. He attended Saint Andrew's, an Episcopalian boarding school in Boca Raton. He is dedicated to his philanthropy work, and makes yearly contributions to www.thesmiletrain.org. This organization offers help to families of children born with cleft palates. Many such families cannot afford surgery to correct the condition. Through the donations of individuals like Mr. Wollstein, approximately 784,000 children have received cleft palate surgeries. Mr. Wollstein's heroes include Gandhi, John Lennon, and Steve Jobs, and he strives to emulate them in his life.

Chris Wollstein is an avid participant in outdoor activities such as scuba diving and boating. He is a movie fan: His favorites include "American Beauty" and "Fight Club." He also enjoys attending live shows, especially performances by Cirque du Soleil. Mr. Wollstein's favorite TV shows are "Intervention" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."