Diana Ortiz, Executive Director and President of Doorways, stands by the entrance to the outdoor patio at Rocklands on May 7 greeting people as they arrive for the 20th annual Doorways Pig & Oyster Roast and fundraiser. The weather has turned from the cool morning’s clouds to bright snd sunny. Ortiz says, “We’ve always been lucky that way.”

She remembers, “This started 20 years ago as a neighborhood get together and over the years has grown into this pig & oyster event. There’s always a good group of people who have never been here before, and that’s how they learn what we do. I always love to see the new families who come. But we also have the people who come back to support us year after year.”

The strains of Jim Sheats One Man Band playing the Eagles “I can’t tell you why” welcome visitors who are headed to the huge pig on the grill and spread of oysters located in the back. Robin Baz is grilling 600 Maryland oysters that are disappearing fast. “Five minutes each dipped in melted butter with tarragon, red onions and vinaigrette.” 

Raffle tickets are going for $5 each with a beach package and a BBQ set as some of the most popular items. Kent Hamaker stands with tickets in his hand contemplating the prizes. “You can’t go wrong with a BBQ set although I never win a raffle. Some people are just lucky but I’m not one of those.”

Right Proper, a local D.C. brewery is offering an IPA, a lager and a variety of wines. Evlyn Esebana says the rose has been the most popular choice this afternoon.

A line of hungry folks with their purple wrist bands waits along the wall to fill their plates with Rocklands mac & cheese, baked beans, coleslaw and salad and then head to pick up their pig and oyster entrée and head to a picnic table.

Doorways is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault. They operate Arlington’s only emergency shelter for survivors and their families. In addition, Doorways provides in-person support and counseling, court advocacy and safety planning. Doorways operates a 24-hour-domestic abuse and survivor hotline. For more information: doorwaysva.org