A horse race-themed fundraiser brought in thousands for the group

A Kentucky Derby theme for Community String Project’s Spring for Strings fundraiser attracted local residents and beyond to its signature event recently.

About 280 guests attended the fundraiser at Joe and Betty Brito’s home. The guests arrived in style with nearly everyone dressed in Derby hats and attire for both men and women. A life-size horse statue adorned with a rose garland greeted them, as well as a vintage living statue jockey from the 1930s and three colorful modern-day jockeys, who interacted and posed with guests throughout the evening.

A group of adult CSP students and teachers also performed. The students include Scarlett Biancuzzo, Luke Daniel, Jace Goldstein, David Lowney, Dylan Manchester, Cristina Marino, Lilliana Redman, Lola Silva, Eliza White, Laney Dufficy, Grace Gerhard, Claudia Green, Zelda Hayes, Rachel Grace Mole, Logan Sartrys, Emma Sousa and Sophia Virgadamo. They were under the direction of teacher Alicia Ruggiero.

Guests munched on Derby-themed food, sipped from a bourbon tasting bar, and danced to the music of the band Malloi. There was also a hat and outfit contest, as well as a live auction, and of course, the guests watched the race live.

In all, the event raised $46,000 to benefit the Community Strings Project, which provides affordable and accessible after-school orchestral string instrument lessons to children in the East Bay, many of whom may not otherwise have the opportunity. There is also an adult program. For more information on the non-profit community group, visit communitystringproject,org.