More Than a Server: Why Lino Anunciacion Is a Caregiver of the Year

I first heard about Lino Anunciacion a year or so ago.

“The singing waiter at Oxbow Lake,” someone told me.

That description stuck with me. But the more I’ve gotten to know Lino, the more I’ve realized something important: he’s not “just” a waiter. He’s not even “just” a server.

He’s a caregiver in every sense of the word.

Earlier this month, LeadingAge Minnesota recognized Lino, Lead Food Server at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake, as a 2026 Caregiver of the Year for District G. The award honors individuals who go beyond expectations to greatly enhance the quality of life for older adults and their communities.

If you’ve ever seen him in action, you understand why.

More Than a Job

Lino has worked in long-term care for 35 years and with Saint Therese for more than three years. Originally from the Philippines, he came to the United States 45 years ago and has spent most of his career serving older adults

When I asked him about the award back in January, he was genuinely surprised. “I never get this kind of attention,” he told me.

For him, the work is not about recognition. It is about residents.

During each shift, Lino makes rounds across five dining rooms, checking in to make sure everyone is doing well before they even begin their meals. As lead food server, he oversees the dining experience, but he sees his role as much bigger.

“I serve the residents, making them happy, providing what they want, what they need on a daily basis,” said Lino. “Being at work every day is a full gift of love. I give my 100 percent. At the end of the day, I can say I really do accomplish my job with dignity, love and pride.”

That is not language you coach into someone. That is heartfelt purpose in action.

Transforming Ordinary Moments

When the Oxbow Lake leadership team nominated Lino for the honor, they wrote that he “transforms ordinary moments into lasting memories.”

That is not an exaggeration.

At an internal celebration in January, I heard him sing “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.” He told me residents also love when he sings “Love Me Tender.” The dining room grew quiet in that way that only happens when something meaningful is unfolding.

There was also the time a scheduled musical group didn’t show up. Rather than let the event fall flat, Lino stepped in and performed for a full dining room on the spot.

He sings at birthdays, anniversaries, even weddings. If there is an opportunity to make someone feel special, he finds a way to serenade them.

His music isn’t really about performance; it’s about connection.

Living Our Values Without Saying a Word

Also in their nomination letter, the team wrote that Lino lives the Saint Therese values every day, particularly welcoming, respect and heartfelt purpose.

You see that in how he honors each resident’s individuality. In how he notices when someone seems off. In how he takes the time to make sure everyone feels seen.

“This is like a family to me,” he said. “I love working with elders. It’s in my blood. It’s my passion.”

That kind of commitment does not show up on a job description. But residents feel it.

Families feel it. Coworkers feel it.

And now the broader aging services community has recognized it, too.

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