A hockey game dedicated to raising money for mental health care programs in the Deer Lakes School District exceeded its fundraising goal.

Organizers of the inaugural Maura C. Rupprecht Alumni Hockey Game, held Sunday at the Frozen Pond Arena in Middlesex, hoped to raise $5,000 for those initiatives.

They raised roughly $6,300 and continue to accept donations.

“When we first started to talk about this, we were thinking about $3,000,” said Molly Rupprecht, Maura’s mother. “We’re over $6,000, and we have some other things in the works that could bring in a little bit more money. I think it’s amazing and we’re so excited.”

Maura is one of two Deer Lakes students who died by suicide in the past two years.

The event was hosted by the Deer Lakes Hockey Club, which is connected to Maura through her brother, Mitchell, who used to be a member. About 500 people attended.

Club President Pietro Porco said the cause is one that people could get behind because many people know someone who has committed suicide.

It’s tragic when you talk to different people, but they all have a relatable story. They all want to get behind something that could potentially keep it from happening to them or to somebody else,” Porco said. “That’s why I feel there was such an outpouring of support.”

All proceeds raised at the event will go toward mental health awareness and care programs along with suicide prevention.

The Rupprechts and district administrators will decide which programs will be most beneficial to students.

“We’re going to work together and we’re going to get something really great in there,” Molly Rupprecht said.

Porco said the hockey club and the student council plan to sell leftover event merchandise, such as bracelets and stickers, at the high school. Money from those sales also will go toward the effort.

Molly Rupprecht said the family is thankful for everybody who participated in the event, whether they shared information about it on social media or bought a raffle ticket.

“It all added up and it’s all a good thing,” she said. “It shows me that our community is really on board with this. They want something to be done, and they care.”