People's Arc Of Suffolk Prepares For 'Shark Tank Showdown' Fundraiser

NORTHPORT, NY — People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted a social media creation day at its Northport Performing Arts Center on Wednesday to create videos for the nonprofit’s upcoming "Shark Tank Showdown" fundraiser, the organization announced in a news release.

The fundraiser is scheduled for April 1 at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. The event will be emceed by News 12 Long Island's own Jenn Seelig and Alex Calamia.

People’s Arc, which provides services for intellectually and developmentally disabled Long Islanders, invited the 12 people who are fundraising for the event to create social media videos that were shot entirely by People’s Arc TV program participants. They operated the cameras, asked the questions and will edit the video for later posting online.

"It’s unique, I don’t think there’s anything on Long Island like this," said Mary Fu, chief advancement officer for People’s Arc of Suffolk, in a news release. "It showcases our program and gives a different type of opportunity to the people we support."

The "Shark Tank Showdown" is a fundraising event where the two individuals who raise the most and least funds will enter the 120,000-gallon shark tank at the Riverhead Aquarium for a face-to-face swim with sand tiger and nurse sharks, along with a variety of exotic fish.

"This thrilling experience aims to raise awareness and support for programs benefiting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities," People's Arc of Suffolk stated.

Tickets for the live event reception are priced at $99 each, which includes aquarium admission, viewing of the Shark Tank Showdown dives, cocktails, food, music, and more. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online.

All proceeds from the event will directly benefit People's Arc of Suffolk's programs and services. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made through individual fundraiser campaign pages.