Fresno Bee (California)
June 7, 2007 Thursday
FINAL EDITION

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Robert and Sharon Garabedian

Where they live: Bullard and Fruit avenues

Occupation/age: Robert, 70, is a dentist with his own practice.
Sharon, 60, is the dental practice’s business manager.

Family: They have two children, Kristina, 21, and Michael, 19.

Why should we know them? The Garabedians have been providing free
dental services for needy children in India since 1997. Robert has
made 12 trips in 10 years.

In 1999, the couple began their first free dental clinic at a summer
camp for disadvantaged children in Armenia. Robert goes there for two
weeks every summer to provide services. The Garabedians are setting
up a clinic at an orphanage in Romania and hope to have it going in a
year.

Sharon has made four of the trips with Robert, helping in the clinics
as needed. Robert also provides free instruction to the countries’
dentists. The couple volunteer time and pay their own travel
expenses.

The Garabedians also collect medical, dental and school supplies and
children’s soccer uniforms through Shoebox Sharing, a nonprofit
organization their daughter, Kristina, started seven years ago. Most
items are shipped to Armenia, India and Romania, and some are donated
to Fresno’s Craycroft Youth Center and the Marjaree Mason Center.

"We’re just treating the least of the least," Robert says. "That’s
what Jesus asked us to do, so that’s what we do."

The Garabedians also donate canned goods, cash and toys at
Christmastime for Hope Lutheran Church. "God put us on this earth to
do things for other people," Sharon says.

What are some organizations they belong to? Hope Lutheran Church

What are their hobbies? Robert enjoys golfing and fishing. Sharon
likes reading and working with children.

What would they like to share with others? "If we’re going to make
this a better world, it’s people helping people, not looking to your
government to fix it," Robert says.

Sharon adds, "If everybody would just do a little bit, there would be
a lot of good in this world."

To nominate a person for Someone You Should Know, write to Features,
The Fresno Bee, 1626 E St., Fresno, CA 93786; fax to (559) 441-6457;
or e-mail features@fresnobee.com (put "Someone You Should Know" in
the subject line).

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress