'Shark Tank Showdown' Raises Funds For Individuals With Disabilities

RIVERHEAD, NY — It was an April Fool's Day "Shark Tank Showdown" in Riverhead last week, as People's Arc of Suffolk and Rise Life Services hosting the fun-filled fundraiser at the Long Island Aquarium.

Six fundraising individuals took the plunge, diving into a shark tank to raise funds for the two non-profit agencies. The event raised more than $60,000 to help both groups.

"People may have thought this was an April Fool’s Prank, but it’s no joke. People are going in,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “We have 250 people that have come together to raise critical funds to support people with disabilities on Long Island and we’re so grateful."

Divers suited up, entered a shark cage in pairs, and were lowered into in the giant shark tank at the aquarium, accompanied by a dive master. Each duo spent about five minutes underwater, coming up close and personal with the sharks and other fish in the massive tank.

The dives were broadcast onto large screens throughout the aquarium for dinner-goers to watch.

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 posting online.

The "Shark Tank Showdown" is a unique fundraising event where 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, and 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," organizers of the event said.