Among the peripheral casualties of September 11th and a downturn in the economy was the Piers Park Sailing Center's modest but wonderful recreational sailing program on Boston Harbor. PPSC was created in 1998 when a citizens advisory group proposed to Massport that this would be a delightful way to reconnect East Boston children and families with the seafaring tradition, in the award-winning park dedicated to Donald McKay, a master shipbuilder in East Boston who had built some of the world's fastest and largest Clipper Ships 150 years ago. Massport and the citizens group designed the building, which Massport provided along with boats and base-level funding. PPSC was incorporated as a charity to administer the program and raise the balance of necessary funds philanthropically — which it did, with spring and fall after school programs, a free summer program serving 400 young people, adaptive sailing for wheelchair users, etc. The programs and sailors doubled in the first four years. Then came Sept. 11, and Massport had to refocus, ultimately eliminating funding for the sailing center. To compensate, Massport donated the boats to PPSC. But PPSC continues to struggle to replace Massport's former contribution. This is your opportunity to help keep this worthy program alive.