"Shark Tank" backs invention created by 9/11 firefighter who died
LOS ANGELES — Who says sharks can't be nice? Five venture capitalists on "Shark Tank" are coming together to support an invention created by a New York City firefighter who died of cancer after helping clean up the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Kevin Young's children on Sunday pitched his Cup Board Pro, a chopping block that features a detachable bowl for cleanup. The 53-year-old died in March, months before the ABC show taped the segment.
His three children explained their dad had to delay his project because their mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and died in August 2012.
The panel decided to invest $100,000 in the project and pledged to donate any proceeds from their 20 percent deal to support firefighters who have illnesses related to the Sept. 11 attacks.
"Our dad would probably be so proud of us and, like, so happy that we're continuing on his legacy, his dream," said 15-year-old Keira Young on the show.
Contestants on the show try to persuade the panel to invest in their ideas.