A benefit concert and silent auction for Christopher Rodriguez, the 10-year-old boy paralyzed from the waist down when he was shot during a piano lesson in Oakland last month, drew about 500 people Sunday.

"This morning in the courtyard at the hospital, Christopher and I were sitting in the sun thinking we knew something good would come out of this," said the boy's mother, Jennifer Rodriguez, referring to the outpouring of community support. "I just didn't know what it was going to be."

The event at the Chapel of the Chimes Columbarium raised upwards of $40,000, according to organizers with the Music School at Piedmont Piano Co., where on Jan. 10 Christopher was struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by Jared Adams during a gas station robbery across the street. Christopher has been hospitalized since then. Adams, 24, of Oakland has been charged with attempted murder, robbery and other felonies.

"Our children go to the same music school, take the same lessons with the same teachers. It could have been anyone. It could have been him," said Montclair resident Mark Prager, pointing to his 7-year-old son Jacob, who accompanied him to the event. "We're here to show some solidarity and to help raise money."

The silent auction included autographed Oakland Raiders and Golden State Warriors memorabilia and other donated items. Proceeds will go to the Christopher Rodriguez Fund set up to help pay for medical bills and others expenses.

The teachers at the music school came up with the idea for the concert, in which they performed, just days after the shooting.

"We recognized the healing power of music," said Jim Callahan, owner of the music school. The teachers put up a poster to cover the hole in the wall where the bullet entered. "This event is about Christopher and the people who live and work in this community saying 'We're not going to be terrorized.' "

Christopher may be back home within a month and is taking classes at Children's Hospital Oakland in hopes of graduating with his class at Crocker Highlands Elementary, said his father, Richard Rodriguez.

"He's in a tremendous amount of pain, but he remains positive, which helps us too," the father said. "About a week ago, he grabbed my hand and said, 'Daddy, I see how you and Mommy are suffering. How can I make it easier for you and Mommy?' I told him he already has."

To help

A trust fund has been established for Christopher Rodriguez. Donations for the boy's care can be made to any Wells Fargo bank, account number 7013202606.