A Game With Purpose
On Saturday, May 16, the Roanoke Rampage Football Team will host the Orange County Lawmen at Salem Football Stadium for a charity match that doubles as a rally for mental‑health awareness.
The game honors 10‑year‑old Autumn Bushman, who died by suicide last spring, and aims to shine a light on the growing crisis of youth suicide across the nation.
Jamison Ratcliffe, president of the Roanoke Rampage, said the team partnered with Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare to bring the event to life and to extend its reach beyond the Roanoke Valley.
Summer Bushman, Autumn’s mother, stressed the importance of checking in on children’s mental health, urging families to stay vigilant and supportive.
Brandon Mundy, vice president of the Orange County Lawmen, explained that the cause gives the game added meaning for the California squad that traveled thousands of miles for the showdown.
Team captain Grant Meyer added that the mission hits close to home as he prepares to become a father, underscoring the personal stakes for the players.
Event Details and Community Impact
Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m., with gates opening at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10, while children 12 and younger will be admitted free of charge. The first 100 kids will receive complimentary coloring books and goodie bags.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Chris’s Coffee & Custard’s LovABLE SERVICES and Tudor House, two organizations dedicated to suicide‑prevention and community support. Anyone struggling with mental‑health issues can call or text 988 or visit the 988 Lifeline website.