The Cupertino Courier

Letters & Opinions

Friends join in a tribute to Don Allen

By Michael Cronk

When it comes to acknowledging the accomplishments and contributions of a man like Don Allen, it seems people can't say "thank you" enough.

Last week, I attended what was billed as a retirement/appreciation dinner for Allen, who is also known as "Mr. Cupertino," at the Saratoga Country Club. It evolved into what Allen's son, Cliff, called a "a friendship celebration.'' More than 150 people--most of whom have known and worked with Allen for years on his many business and community activities and are accomplished themselves--showed up to pay tribute and dine on salmon and steak.

Sandie Zander of the Cupertino Rotary Club said the large turnout showed that "many people are willing to TIVO Ugly Betty tonight."

Before delivering the invocation, Monsignor Joe Milani declared, "I can't tell you how many tremendous, wonderful things he has done for this city."

The event wasn't a formal retirement dinner since Allen "semi-retired" as chairman and CEO of Cupertino National Bank in February 2000, although he retained his seat as board chairman and as a consultant on community relations and other issues. Allen was the founding president of Cupertino National Bank in 1985; it quickly became one of the Bay Area's most prominent independent community banks. The bank in 2006 joined with San Jose National Bank and the Bank of Santa Clara to form the Santa Clara Valley National Bank.

The dinner also wasn't hurriedly organized because Allen is due to shuffle off this mortal coil anytime soon.

"As far as I know, Don's not sick,'' said Richard Lowenthal, Cupertino city councilman and former mayor. Allen , 71, later declared himself to be in pretty good health.

The occasion wasn't scheduled because Allen and his wife, Sally, are planning never again to set foot in the Santa Clara Valley. The Allens have a Saratoga residence and a vacation home in Idaho.

And, lastly, it wasn't as if Allen had never been feted. For example, there was that banquet for him in 1998 after he was named the city's "Citizen of the Year" by the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce.

No. Mostly, the evening was about sharing stories and memories about the impact Allen has had as a banker and community leader and to once again marvel at his extraordinary abilities as a fundraiser.

There were 11 speakers who were each given two minutes to talk about specific areas of Allen's life and his decades-long involvement in banking, the Boy Scouts of America, Cupertino Community Services, Cupertino Education Endowment Foundation, international and local Rotary clubs, and with the city of Cupertino.

Jim Jackson, a former Cupertino city councilman, talked about how Allen had made Cupertino National Bank into a community institution and likened him to George Bailey in the classic movie It's A Wonderful Life.

"You're our Jimmy Stewart," said Jackson. "It has been a wonderful life."

Allen's service with the Cupertino Rotary Club and as a district governor for Rotary International was detailed by Zander. She spoke about Allen's passionate fight against polio through Rotary's global objective of eradicating the disease

Allen walks with a limp. He contracted polio when he was 13 years old, ending his dream of being a professional baseball player. His personal challenges with polio made him a powerful speaker on the subject and a potent fundraiser for the cause.

Orrin Mahoney, Cupertino councilman and fellow Rotarian, remembered just a few years ago when Allen spearheaded the raising of more than $30,000 from the local Rotary club. "After he spoke, the wallets just flew open," said Mahoney.

My wife, Diane, who has been to many events and heard many speeches over the years, vividly remembers hearing Allen speak several years ago. It was, she said, one of the best and most inspiring speeches she ever heard.

Lowenthal presented with Allen with a proclamation from the city of Cupertino. Lowenthal skipped all whereases and summed it up by saluting Allen's significant contributions to the residents of Cupertino.

"I'm thrilled and humbled in the process," said Allen, as he stepped to the podium. "We want you to know how appreciative we are of all of you and how fond we are of you. I have no idea why we're doing this, but I'm glad we are."

Allen concluded his remarks by offering several pieces of advice.

Foremost, was an admonition: "If you want to meet wonderful people, get involved with a nonprofit or charitable-based organization," he said.

I would add that if you want to meet great people like Don Allen, you could also become a news reporter or editor.

Michael Cronk is the editor of Cupertino Courier. Contact him at 408.200.1055 or mcronk@community-newspapers.com.