The story (Dec. 5) about Port Washington Yacht Club's Second Annual Optimist Regatta to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York brought back wonderful memories of a truly extraordinary event.

Thanks to a number of outstanding young people in our community and the dedication of 25 optimist sailors, an amazing $11,500 was raised this past August to help make dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses. We are most grateful to the members of the Junior Bridge of the Port Washington Yacht Club - Caitlin Abruzzo, Erin Mulderrig, Morgan Cotter, Patrick Shea and Paige Wassmer - for their tireless efforts in organizing this event. Their energy and dedication challenged other members of the North Shore sailing community to become involved in bringing hope, strength and joy to the Make-A-Wish children.

A special word of thanks to Caitlin Abruzzo, Commodore of the PWYC Junior Bridge. It was her vision that inspired this regatta, which has raised over $15,000 in its first two years and become a much-anticipated annual tradition for opti sailors. We also appreciate the hospitality of Port Washington Yacht Club and its Commodore Warren Cronacher for hosting this regatta. And finally, our sincere thanks to the opti sailors who collected thousands of dollars in pledges to make the dreams of critically ill children possible. You have truly made a difference.

Pat Clemency

President and CEO

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York