People’s Arc of Suffolk and Rise Life Services co-hosted the second annual Shark Tank Showdown fundraiser on Tuesday.
(March 31, 2026) – People’s Arc of Suffolk and Rise Life Services will co-hosted its second annual “Shark Tank Showdown” fundraiser at the Atlantis Aquarium in Riverhead here tonight, 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.
Divers suited up in scuba apparatus and wetsuits and entered a protective shark cage which was lowered into in the giant tank, filled with four sharks and a variety of other fish and sea life. Each spent about five minutes underwater, coming up close and personal with the sharks and other fish in the massive tank. The dives were also broadcast onto large screens throughout the aquarium for dinner-goers to watch.
The event raised more than $70,000 for the two organizations, which support people with disabilities to live happy and fulfilling lives.
“There’s a lot of people who aren’t aware of what people with disabilities can do,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “They’re capable of anything when given a chance, whether that’s in the workplace, or in the arts or any other opportunity.”
“It’s about making them part of the community, and making them part of society,” said Jeanette Permenter, CEO of Rise Life Services. “For years, people with disabilities or mental health challenges were made to live in institutions and they shouldn’t have been. This is about giving them the opportunity to live a regular life just like you or I.”
The event was 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.
“My mother worked for this organization in the 1970s and 80s,” said Kelly. “To see what it has grown into and the incredible work that it does helping so many people is fantastic.”
Another reason Kelly got involved with the event was very personal to him.
“I was a former male mermaid in an underwater show at Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida,” laughed Kelly. “One of the few things I don’t have on my scuba checklist is swimming in a tank with a shark. So that life checklist item will be accomplished tonight.”
Watch NEWS 12 LONG Feature HERE: News 12 | Long Island | ‘Shark Tank Showdown’ event raises money for kids, adults with disabilities
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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.
PR CONTACT: Jody Fisher – 347-419-0444 / jody@jodyfisherpr.com
About RISE Life Services
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 which are often faced by our community members. Rise’s services are individualized, culturally aware and responsive to the needs of the individuals we serve.
