LI Fundraiser Sends Participants Into Shark Tank To Support Disability Services

RIVERHEAD, NY — Two Suffolk County nonprofits are bringing back one of Long Island’s most unusual fundraisers, and it involves going face-to-face with sharks.

People’s Arc of Suffolk and Rise Life Services will host their second annual “Shark Tank Showdown” on March 31 at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, where participants will be lowered into a 120,000-gallon shark tank.

The event raises awareness and funds for programs supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Last year’s inaugural event generated more than $60,000 for the two organizations.

People’s Arc of Suffolk, headquartered in Bohemia, operates multiple locations across the county, including a performing arts center in Northport.

Rise Life Services is based in Riverhead and provides residential, clinical, and community-based support programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

“When we did this last year, people thought it was a joke, but we’re totally serious. People are going into the tank,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk.

The event features 12 participants who have been fundraising in advance, with six pairs set to enter the tank in a protective shark cage. Each pair will spend about five minutes underwater, accompanied by a dive master, coming face-to-face with sharks and other marine life inside the massive exhibit.

The dives will be broadcast live on large screens throughout the aquarium, allowing attendees to watch during the evening’s dinner program.

“It’s such an unusual fundraising event, we don’t know of anything else like it,” said Jeanette Permenter, CEO of Rise Life Services. “Our community has got behind this event again this year and we are incredibly grateful for their support.”

The event will be emceed by Long Island comedian and social media personality Tom Kelly, who has worked as a warm-up comic for shows including The View, Good Morning America, The $100,000 Pyramid, Lucky 13 and America’s Got Talent.

In the lead-up to the event, participants created social media videos as part of their fundraising efforts. The videos were produced entirely by individuals in People’s Arc’s TV program, who operated cameras, conducted interviews and will edit the content for online distribution.

Rise Life Services, founded in 1980, provides community-based support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a focus on inclusion, dignity and independence.

People’s Arc of Suffolk, formerly known as AHRC Suffolk, offers a range of services including employment programs, education and community engagement initiatives aimed at helping individuals of all abilities live full and integrated lives.

Organizers say the event is designed not only to raise funds, but also to create visibility and opportunities for the people they serve — even if it means stepping into a shark tank.