WINCHESTER, Mass. (WHDH) — Nine Winchester High School seniors hosted a charity auction Thursday evening with the proceeds going to MBTA Officer Richard Donohue and his family.

Officer Donohue was injured in a gunbattle with one of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects.

Officer Donohue is a graduate of Winchester High School, so the students feel a special connection with the former Sachem.

7News’ Kim Khazei spoke with Officer Donohue’s mother at the event.

"I think it's awesome. I think it's a great way for the kids to connect with the problems of the world, and that it's real, and in our backyard. And that they're able to contribute and make a difference” said Consuelo O’Connell Donohue, Richard’s mother. "I think [Richard] would be in awe. I think he would be very pleased."

His mother went on to say Richard knows about the event, and would have wanted to be a part of it.

The proceeds from the event will go to the fund for Officer Donohue.

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