Nelson Perez, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, was among the hundreds of people who attended the annual fundraising gala for the Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS).

The goal was to raise enough money so that the group could increase the number of scholarships it offers.

“Last night, BLOCS held its annual fundraising gala,” Perez said in a tweet. “It was wonderful to see hundreds of enthusiastic supporters whose attendance directly benefits BLOCS’ mission of providing a high-quality education to student in the Greater Philadelphia region!”

Among the others who attended were Dave Rowan, the CEO of BLOCS, and Matt McFillin, the Board Chairman. The gala featured live music, dinner and desserts.

The BLOCS gala is an annual fundraising event that supports the provision of quality Catholic education to students in Philadelphia. The event aims to raise funds to increase the number of scholarships beyond the current 17,000 offered. BLOCS was founded 40 years ago, and it provides access to Catholic education for students in grades pre-k through high school, including special education students. In the past decade, BLOCS has awarded over 100,000 scholarships for tuition, according to the BLOCS website.

"I was blessed to participate along with BLOCS CEO, Dave Rowan; Board Chairman, Matt McFillin; as well as young people and their families who attend schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools - AOPS Archdiocese of Philadelphia," Perez said in another tweet. "The emcee of the event was 6abc Action News’ Alicia Vitarelli! May God continue to bless all those involved in the impactful work and vital mission as well as all beneficiaries of BLOCS!”

Rowan in the past has discussed the important role BLOCS plays.

“We are the ones who can become change agents by investing in our students," Rowan said on the website. "We have a singular focus – to provide greater opportunities for as many students as possible.”