The My Frontline Hero Initiative:
In April 2020, CelticMKE, home to Milwaukee Irish Fest – the world’s largest celebration of Celtic music and culture, and Northwoods, a Milwaukee-based digital marketing and software development agency, partnered to launch the website https://www.myfrontlinehero.org to honor everyday Americans on the front lines, those who supported them, or anyone who inspired others during COVID-19.
As part of the website launch, the two organizations committed to further honoring frontline workers by hosting a special ceremony at the 2021 Milwaukee Irish Fest.
Since the My Frontline Hero website launched, dozens of stories have been submitted by family members, friends, colleagues and admirers of frontline workers to recognize their service.
Patrick Bieser, president and founder of Northwoods, explained the idea behind the My Frontline Hero initiative:
"It was important to both of our organizations to contribute something valuable to the COVID-19 effort. Because Northwoods provides website design and development, and Milwaukee Irish Fest has a venue by which we can give additional recognition to our heroes, it seemed like a perfect way to come together to celebrate those who worked so hard to keep us safe, healthy, positive and inspired.”
"Our organizations were specially suited to join forces to create an avenue to honor real-life heroes – our frontline workers who risked - and many who are still risking - their own health during COVID-19 to keep the rest of us safe,” added Mike Mitchell, executive director of Milwaukee Irish Fest. “All of our frontline heroes deserve our deepest appreciation and thanks, and the website and ceremony are just two small ways we can recognize their service and sacrifice.”