About 150 people turned out to hear former Highlanders coach Tony Gilbert speak during an evening a trust member described as a ''huge success''.
Ian Kerrisk said the trust was ''blown away'' by support from the community.
''[It was] much, much better than we ever dreamed it would have been.
''He [Mr Gilbert] was very well received. He has huge mana and is highly respected. He spoke candidly about work and where he thinks people can help people.''
Gerald Davies, general manager of Superior Minerals, which helped organise the event, said the amount raised was unexpected.
About $12,000 was raised by an auction, selling items such as a signed Aaron Smith rugby jersey for $700, golf course, motorsport, and cycling tour packages.
A $2000 donation was also made on the night.
The evening had been organised by the company and RD Petroleum as a part of their corporate responsibility initiatives.
All funds raised would go towards the Otago Suicide Prevention Trust.
Mr Kerrisk said the meeting was a further opportunity for the Central Otago community to discuss suicide.
It followed other events in Alexandra this year with speakers including Mike King and Sir John Kirwan.
The more it was discussed, the better chance there was of supporting those in need.
It was hard to talk about when the group was ''successful'', because it involved people's privacy, he said.
''We will never know how successful we are but what we do know ... is we have had some people approach us saying they were very grateful.
''We don't need that feedback; it's good enough for us knowing it's being discussed and people are out there looking out for each other.''
It was hard to quantify suicide prevention, but the goal was zero suicide, he said.
Where to seek help
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Depression helpline (8am-midnight): 0800 111- 757
Healthline: 0800 611-116
Youthline: 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.org.nz
