Arthur A. Block, born 1909, and Marian L. Block, born 1914, both now deceased, moved to Vero Beach, Florida in 1936. While residents of Vero Beach, the Blocks started multiple entrepreneurial businesses and non-profit organizations that helped those less fortunate to create a better life for themselves, including creating opportunities for higher education. Various scholarship funds, including those established at UF, were set up by the family at various colleges and universities throughout the country. Education always played an important role in the Block family. Arthur and Marian felt that given the opportunity, everyone can reach their dreams.

Arthur and Marian began giving back to the University of Florida in the 1980’s when they became Bull Gators. They also began two scholarship funds for the University of Florida Foundation for both athletic and academic scholars.

As avid Gator fans, Arthur and Marian also never missed a Treasure Coast Gator Club® Gathering. Through their scholarship fund and the Treasure Coast Gator Club®, Arthur and Marian reached out to local students helping to provide them with the opportunity to attend the University of Florida.

Three of Arthur and Marian’s children, Samuel ’68, Charles ’72 and Henry ’73 graduated from the University of Florida, as well as, three of their grandchildren, Michelle ’98, Kathryn ‘00 and Jennifer ‘0