Mortgage Loan Originator Claudio Lanza, Community Engagement Manager Farrah Mason, and Mequon Teller Yana Nazarenka at the Big Unit Gala.
North Shore Bank employees made a positive impact at the inaugural Big Unit Gala on March 22 at the River Club of Mequon. The special evening raised over $43,000 to support veterans, military members, first responders, and their families.
Community Engagement Manager Farrah Mason co-chaired the event, helped secure donations for the auctions, and recruited volunteers. Mequon Teller Yana Nazarenka volunteered with Farrah at the gala, running the registration table and taking payments for the live and silent auctions. Mortgage Loan Originator Claudio Lanza hosted guests at the North Shore Bank-sponsored table. Farrah’s 13-year-old son, Brock, even helped out!
Farrah and her husband, who is a retired police officer, heard about the gala because they have attended other events the Big Unit Foundation sponsors. The Big Unit Foundation, started in 2024 by Wisconsin sports radio personality Bill Michaels (known as “the Big Unit”) and his fiancee, is dedicated to providing direct financial support and resources to those who serve our communities and our country. Farrah said funds raised from the gala will help veterans, members of the military, and first responders with medical expenses.
Farrah’s 13-year-old son, Brock, also volunteered at the gala.
The evening featured retired U.S. Army Captain Dan Buttery (former President and CEO of the War Memorial Center) as the guest speaker, exciting live and silent auctions, and fantastic live music. Buttery gave an overview of recent wars and honored individuals in the room who had served. In addition, the foundation made donations to the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber and the Center for Veterans Issues live at the event.
The event was so successful, Farrah said, the foundation has already booked the same location for the gala next year. “It ended up even more successful than we thought it would be,” she said. “People really gave!”
Thank you to our bank employees who helped make this event a success!
Community Engagement Manager Farrah Mason with event volunteers DJ Burd and Chuck Hilgart.