By Catholic Philly staff • Posted May 12, 2023

On Tuesday, May 9, Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) hosted their annual gala at Fairmount Water Works. The annual event celebrates the contributions of BLOCS’ dedicated donors and the expansion of Pennsylvania’s tax credit program, which aids in providing scholarships to children throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, giving them the opportunity to receive a high-quality, values-based education that changes their lives and redefines their futures.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez; Dave Rowan, CEO of BLOCS; and BLOCS Board Chairman Matt McFillin provided opening remarks. Crystal Brown and Nataliia Kondratiuk — parents of two BLOCS scholarship recipients —  served as speakers for the evening.

The event was emceed by 6ABC’s Alicia Vitarelli and students from Archbishop Carroll and Cardinal O’Hara high schools offered live entertainment to the guests.

Photo: BLOCS

“This year’s gala theme “We Build. They Dream.” is the singular mission of BLOCS — to build a structured support system around students in need so they are able to dream bigger than they thought possible, regardless of their circumstances,” said Rowan.

“Since 2010, BLOCS has awarded 100,000 students with scholarships that have changed their future and helped shape who they will become one day. Through the impact of our generous donors and our ongoing commitment to our mission, we are making a huge impact in the city of Philadelphia.”

“It’s an honor to serve as the Board Chair for BLOCS, because I get a front row seat to the real-life impact that is being made in the lives of students and their families every day,” said Matt McFillin, BLOCS Board Chair.

In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12), BLOCS also used the event as a platform to acknowledge teachers in the Philadelphia region for their ongoing dedication to serving our students.

All proceeds raised from the event benefit organization’s mission of providing high-quality education to students in the Greater Philadelphia region.