Last week, the City of Cupertino capped off its exciting month-long 70th anniversary celebration with the second annual Cupertino Community Service Awards, a joyful evening honoring the people and organizations who make Cupertino shine. The event honored the recipients of the 2025 CREST Awards (Cupertino Recognizes Extra Steps Taken) and recognized City Commissioners and Committee Members for their dedicated service to the community.
Throughout October, Cupertino commemorated seven decades since its incorporation as Santa Clara County’s 13th city with a variety of special activities, including the first-ever Cupertino Restaurant Week and a citywide Puzzle Hunt. The Community Service Awards served as the grand finale to this milestone month of celebration.
This year’s 2025 CREST Award honorees include:
- Dennis Whittaker – Lifetime Achievement
- Raymond Lancon – Volunteer of the Year
- Cupertino Little League – Organization of the Year
- Sarah Shelke – Rising Star of the Year
- Rayna Shah – Rising Star of the Year
- Deputy Aalok Patel – Hometown Hero
The event also featured the “My Cupertino” Art Showcase, displaying more than 30 artworks submitted by community members of all ages, each reflecting what makes Cupertino special to them. Guests enjoyed music by the Cupertino High School Chamber Orchestra, who led attendees in singing “Happy Birthday” to Cupertino before a celebratory cake cutting.
“Celebrating Cupertino’s 70th anniversary surrounded by so many dedicated volunteers and community members is a reminder of what makes this city special,” said Mayor Liang Chao. “We look forward to what the next 70 years will bring!”
“This celebration was a wonderful reminder of what can be achieved when Council, residents, businesses, and City staff work together,” said Interim City Manager Tina Kapoor. “Our community’s spirit of collaboration and service is what keeps Cupertino thriving.”
The City extends its heartfelt thanks to all partner organizations, honorees, and attendees who helped make this milestone celebration unforgettable.