People’s Arc of Suffolk and Rise Life Services will co-host its second annual “Shark Tank Showdown” fundraiser at the Atlantis Aquarium in Riverhead on March 31, 2026, with six of its fundraisers taking a dive into the 120,000-gallon shark tank in a fun and unusual night of celebration to raise awareness and support for programs benefiting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Last year’s event raised more than $60,000 for the two organizations.
“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.
“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.”
Divers will suit up and enter a shark cage in pairs before being lowered into the giant shark tank at the aquarium, accompanied by a dive master. Each duo will spend about five minutes underwater, coming up close and personal with the sharks and other fish in the massive tank. The dives will also be broadcast onto large screens throughout the aquarium for dinner-goers to watch.
The event will be emceed by Long Island comedian, host, and TikTok sensation Tom Kelly, who has also served as a warm-up comic at ABC’s The View, Good Morning America, The $100,000 Pyramid, Lucky 13, and America’s Got Talent.
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.
RISE Life Services is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1980 by family members who were concerned about the physical and emotional decline of patients compelled to live in crowded institutions. We believe that all individuals have the right, to the extent of their ability, to live in the community and enjoy the benefits and amenities of living in society. Rise’s guiding principles are based on our core values of diversity, quality, dignity, inclusion, and respect. Following these core values, Rise is committed to fighting social injustices and inequalities that are often faced by our community members. Rise’s services are individualized, culturally aware, and responsive to the needs of the individuals we serve.
About People’s Arc of Suffolk
Formerly known as AHRC Suffolk, People’s Arc of Suffolk is dedicated to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy life to its fullest. The organization provides a wide array of services, including employment opportunities, education programs, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering an equitable and integrated community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Follow People’s Arc of Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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