In 1980, local leaders recognized the role that Catholic school graduates played in promoting the health of their businesses and society as a whole. The creation of Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) occurred when the leaders joined forces to gather financial support for these schools and students in need. BLOCS' immediate success can be credited to the strength of the leaders' commitment to its mission.

BLOCS was originally led by noted businessman William S. Fishman, former chairman of ARA Services (now ARAMARK Corporation). It was launched with the assistance of three major benefactors: Ambassador Walter H. Annenberg, the William Penn Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts.

In 1985, BLOCS received national recognition through President Reagan's Citation Program for Private Sector Initiatives. In 1992, Ambassador Walter Annenberg awarded a $2 million challenge grant to BLOCS. From 1992 to 1996, the Annenberg Foundation matched funds raised by BLOCS with the support of local corporations. Under the direction and leadership of Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, former Archbishop of Philadelphia, BLOCS experienced a rejuvenation. In 1998, then Chairman David F. Girard-diCarlo and Vice-Chairmen William J. Avery and Joseph Neubauer initiated the Annual Gala. Since 1998, the BLOCS Gala has raised more than $6 million.

Following the 2002 Gala, Mr. J. William Mills, III accepted the role of BLOCS Chairman, securing the support of Mr. Gerry Lenfest and Ms. Pat Ciarrocchi as Co-Chairs. As a result of this solid leadership, BLOCS continued to be a vibrant organization that continually expanded its impact. In 2005, the gavel was passed to our current Chairman, H.F. Gerry Lenfest, Esquire—and the future of BLOCS never looked brighter.