“Shed Your Coat” at Rocklands Arlington on May 3

Patio Officially Opens with 10th Annual Pig-and-Oyster Roast Benefiting Doorways

After this cool spring, Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company in Arlington invites neighbors and friends to come together to welcome warmer weather with a special anniversary celebration. On Thursday, May 3, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., Rocklands will officially kick off patio season with an evening of food and drink to benefit Doorways for Women and Families. Guests will mingle on the patio enjoying barbecued pork, fresh oysters roasted over a wood fire, and a selection of Rocklands’ signature sides. Rocklands will tap a keg from Right Proper Brewing Company just for the event and offer a selection of wine from the bar.

This year marks Rocklands’ 10th annual fundraising event for Doorways, as well as Doorways’ 40th anniversary. To celebrate these milestones, Rocklands aims to bring community members together to raise $10,000 to support youth and young families transitioning out of homelessness.

“This year, we have a special goal for this event. We are hoping to raise $10,000—a record for this event—to support young adults and families at Doorways as they transition out of homelessness into homes of their own,” said John Snedden, owner of Rocklands. “We are proud to help this vulnerable population achieve stability by investing in this critical step toward the bright future ahead.”

This year, we have a special goal for this event. We are hoping to raise $10,000—a record for this event—to support young adults and families at Doorways as they transition out of homelessness into homes of their own.

Along with the rest of the nation, Arlington County is disturbing trends for youth ages 16 to 24. Not only are young people the fastest growing segment of homeless population, but also the most at-risk group for first-time domestic and sexual violence. In Doorways’ Domestic Violence Safehouse and our Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home, these very young households now comprise 40 percent of clients. Doorways’ Pathways for Youth service model tailors the organization’s existing programs and services to meet the unique needs of youth and young families.

“Most of us just don’t know how many young people are living in unsafe and unstable conditions,” said Caroline Jones, MSW, Doorways’ President and CEO. “With and without children, some are still in high school, some are in violent relationships, and some simply have no safe place to live. By intervening early, we can begin to end the cycles of homelessness and abuse that impact so many young people in our community.”

Proceeds from Rocklands’ event will go directly to supporting young people as they transition from homelessness to safe, stable long-term supportive housing. Rocklands is donating all the food, beer and wine so 100 percent of the ticket price goes directly to Doorways. Tickets to the event are $35 (kids under 10 eat for free), and can be purchased online at www.DoorwaysVA.org/Rocklands2018 or at the door. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. For $40, a special 40th anniversary ticket includes food, drink and two raffle tickets. Raffle prizes include gift certificates to local restaurants and shops and more.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our anniversary with Rocklands’ 10th annual ‘Shed Your Coat’ event,” said Jones. “It’s partnerships like this one that have made the last 40 years possible. Year after year, we are honored to be joined by so many of neighbors offering their support. On behalf of everyone at Doorways, we are so grateful for your investment in our clients’ futures and for your renewed commitment to our newest initiatives to help youth achieve stability.”