schmidt/jb/8 inches/1stjc/mark2nd For Nancy Schmidt, charity work is a family tradition. Growing up in Panorama City, Schmidt recalls how her mother remained involved in the Panorama City Women’s Club and her grandmother volunteered time for the Business and Professional Women’s Association. “I grew up knowing that charity work was just part of life,” said Schmidt, a vice president and manager of American Pacific State Bank in Sherman Oaks. “It was natural for me to stay involved with my community, and my entire family continues to be involved.” Schmidt, a 48-year-old Chatsworth resident, carried on the tradition by starting the San Fernando Valley Charitable Foundation. Her efforts led to her winning the 1997 Fernando Award, which honors Valley residents who demonstrate community leadership. About 200 people attended a black-tie reception and dinner in her honor March 13. Schmidt, a former school teacher, has been president and chief executive officer of the Valley charitable foundation since 1991. The charity raises about $40,000 each year to benefit numerous community organizations from AIDs charities to homeless shelters, she said. “She has a lot of energy, and really was the perfect choice for this award,” said Lee Kanon Alpert, president of Fernando Award Inc. “Routinely she goes above and beyond, and that’s what this award is all about.” A Chatsworth resident, Schmidt has also been president of the Universal City-North Hollywood and Sherman Oaks chambers of commerce. In addition, she has served as a board member for the North Hollywood Medical Center, the San Fernando Valley Economic Alliance, and the Valley Industry Commerce Association. “I was honored to get this award,” Schmidt said. “But, this is just something I do. Some people golf in their spare time, and I spend my time raising money for charities.” Joe Bel Bruno