Number of Participants: 14
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $1,183
Event Type: Health & Safety
Sport: Softball
School: Orchard Park High School
Date: May 7, 2025
Location:
Orchard Park High School Athletic Field
Freeman Road, Orchard Park
NY
About:
The Orchard Park Varsity Softball team is gearing up for their annual Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness game on May 7, 2025, against Williamsville Northl. This event has become a cornerstone of the team’s season, reflecting their commitment to raising awareness about mental health challenges faced by student-athletes.
For the past six years, Orchard Park Softball has proudly hosted an annual awareness game that goes far beyond the diamond. What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a powerful tradition—one that raises vital awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.
When the idea of an awareness game was first suggested, the team didn’t hesitate in choosing a cause close to many hearts: Mental Health Awareness. Each year, the athletes and coaching staff come together not only to compete, but to advocate, educate, and support those struggling in silence.
In 2023, the team raised an impressive $4,151, all of which was donated to the Mental Health Advocates of Western New York—thanks in large part to a generous donation from West Herr. This year, proceeds will be shared between the Mental Health Advocates of WNY and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Buffalo Chapter), which has now joined the effort with a tent, goodie bags, and valuable resources available on-site.
Leading up to the big game, the players pour their hearts into planning. They sell silicone awareness bracelets featuring the message “You are Enough,” host a snack stand with treats and drinks, and decorate the entire field with chalk-written messages of hope, colorful balloons, streamers, ribbons, and signs reading “You Matter.” Some brave players even volunteer to speak before the first pitch, delivering heartfelt messages about the importance of mental health and the courage to seek help—reminding everyone that this is more than a game.
The team also takes the field wearing custom t-shirt jerseys adorned with the suicide prevention ribbon, a symbol of solidarity and support.
There is no financial benefit for the program—only the deep reward of bringing awareness, fostering open conversations, and showing their school and community that they are not alone.
Year after year, Orchard Park Softball proves that sports have the power to change lives—and this event stands as a beautiful reminder that every voice matters, every life matters, and that it’s okay to not be okay.
