A benefit ball at the Greenwich Hyatt might strike some as a strange way to mark the first anniversary of a child?s death, but the southwestern Connecticut family that organized Thursday?s ball says it?s their way of helping other families cope with tragedy.

A year ago to the day, Elayne Cassara, her husband and surviving daughter set off for Rye Playland for what was meant to be a fun family outing, but it quickly turned tragic. Jon-Kely Cassara, 7, boarded the Olde Mill boat ride by himself, somehow fell from the boat, was trapped underneath and drown.

In her grief Cassara says she discovered a creative drive that helped her start the non-profit Fashioned 4 Life. It helps women and children experiencing tragedies like the Cassara?s. Fashion 4 Life will hold its first benefit in honor of Jon-Kely. Cassara also lobbied New York State legislators to pass new safety laws for amusement parks.Related Information: Report finds safety shortcomings on ride where Norwalk boy diedNorwalk mother tearfully relives the day her son was killed