Home and family are words used to describe a unit where one dwells or belongs.
And other times those words are used to describe a connection between people. Those units of home and family aren’t typically the ones we share blood and childhoods with, but rather people we share our day-to-day lives with.
For Urbana resident Tina Cunningham- Canas, her 17-years as the manager of Casey’s General Store in St. Joseph has led to a home and family that overcomes trials together.
“I love my job, I love my store and I definitely love my customers,” Cunningham- Canas said. “They are, for the most part, why we do what we do.”
But her team at Casey’s is interested in doing more than just making sure the credit card runs through on a purchase. They work every day to make sure that they are building relationships through a casual smile or a thoughtful gesture.
Cunningham- Canas’ team, all of whom who have been employees of the St. Joseph Casey’s for eight to 14 years, makes sure they do the little things that help out members of the community.
“There isn’t anything they wouldn’t do for anyone that comes through that door,” Cunningham- Canas said. “We’ve had people who have come through that are fighting cancer; Miss B knits hats and scarves and gloves and beanies and she passes them out to people.”
Through her giving spirit, Cunningham- Canas has worked hard to provide a little extra through two annual fundraisers.
It all began with a paper pumpkin fundraiser to support St. Jude’s Hospital. A customer could donate $1 and put their name on a pumpkin that was displayed in the store. Cunningham- Canas wanted to do a little bit more, though.
Casey’s employees donated the supplies, and Cunningham- Canas and her mom baked goods to sell in the store with the proceeds going to the St. Jude’s fund.
During the summer months, the employees volunteer their time to raise money for the St. Joseph Stanton Fire Department by pumping gas for tips for customers.
But whether it’s the St. Joseph community or the fire department, Cunningham- Canas said that she and her staff have not given as much as they have received.
The St. Joseph Stanton Fire Department saved Cunningham- Canas’ life when she had a heart attack and a stroke at the store.
“I could never repay that. They are the heroes, not me,” she said.
While in the hospital, Cunningham- Canas received flowers from customers. What she didn’t know at the time is that customers were donating money at the store.
“They sent all this money to my house to pay my bills,” she said.
The generosity stemmed from family, though. Cunningham- Canas said that customers come in and check up on her dad, and she also keeps up on what is important to them.
“We’re all family. From my staff to my regulars who come up, we’re all just one big crazy family.
“I could not imagine being anywhere else but here.”
Cunningham- Canas’ warm personality and spirit caught the attention of Greg Knott, a member of the St. Joseph Masonic Lodge No. 970.
Since 2010, the Masonic Lodge has given out the Community Builder Award to recognize a community member who goes above and beyond to give back to the community. Cunningham- Canas is the 2019 recipient of the award.
“Tina was chosen because of her support and care of the St. Joseph community,” Knott said. “Tina and her staff at the St. Joseph Casey’s do a great job of welcoming and caring about their customers.
“She helps make the St. Joseph community a better place.”
Even though she accepted the Community Builder Award at the Masonic dinner Monday night, Cunningham- Canas is still wrapping her head around the honor.
“I didn’t even know it existed, and I still don’t understand why,” she said. “I don’t see it, but I’m grateful and blessed.”
To Cunningham- Canas, the St. Joseph Stanton Fire Department volunteers are the ones who deserve the spotlight.
“I keep telling everyone, they are the real heroes,” she said.
Here is a list of previous Community Builder Award Winners
2010 – Glenn Fisher, Dick Duval and Martin Fuentes
2011 – Reverend Mark Harris
2012 – Gary Woods and Todd Woods
2013 – Mary Hack and Linda Manwaring
2014 – Mary Derenne and Tammie Mabry
2015 – Betty Lewis
2016 – Kent and Jill Robbins
2017 – Todd Woods
2018 – Tina Cunningham-Canas
