20 Years of
Hope & Clean Homes
Since 2006, Cleaning for a Reason has grown from a simple act of compassion into an international movement providing free home cleaning services to cancer patients. For 20 years, our network of cleaning professionals has delivered hope, comfort, and dignity to those in need.
Explore our 20-year recap and join us as we continue this mission in 2026 and beyond.
All Moments: 2005 – 2009
The foundation is built as one compassionate idea grows into a national nonprofit serving individuals battling cancer.
Cleaning for a Reason Concept Debuts at ISSA Show
Debbie Sardone debuts Cleaning for a Reason concept at ISSA Show.
Official Launch of Nonprofit
Official launch of nonprofit and mission for women with cancer.
First Patients Served
First patients served as partner companies begin providing free cleanings.
Nonprofit Grows
501(c)(3) Filed, Board Formed, 260 Partners, 1,000 Patients.
First Partner Vehicle Branding
Clean & Simple Cleaning of Lynnwood, WA, is first partner to add Cleaning for a Reason logo to its vehicles.
Oprah Feature
Oprah reports on Cleaning for a Reason; website crashes from overwhelming demand.
First Cleaning for a Reason Week
Texas Senator Jane Nelson declares first Cleaning for a Reason Week, April 26 – May 2.
All Moments: 2010 – 2014
National partnerships, media recognition, and growing volunteer support expand the organization's reach and impact.
Network Reaches 700 Partners
Cleaning for a Reason partner network reaches 700 cleaning company partners.
First Charity Duck Race
ACI launches the first of five annual Charity Duck Races.
Swiffer Goes Pink
Swiffer “Goes Pink” in October (2012-2015) at Walmarts nationwide to support Cleaning for a Reason.
Give a Little Bit Rights Donation
Roger Hodgson bestows rights to his song “Give a Little Bit” to Cleaning for a Reason.
Hoover Donation
First Volunteer Day of Cleaning with American Airlines Cargo management team. Hoover donates 400 vacuum cleaners to partners.
Kyle Walker, 19, becomes youngest partner of Cleaning for a Reason
19-year-old Kyle Walker, owner of Real World Services Company, joins Cleaning for a Reason as its youngest-ever partner.
New Milestone
Cleaning for a Reason Week moved to April 18-24.
Daily Point of Light Honor
Cleaning for a Reason honored as a Daily Point of Light by President George W. Bush.
Reader’s Digest Spotlight
Reader’s Digest spotlights Cleaning for a Reason as a “brilliant, quirky, uplifting idea that could only happen in America.”
Heroes Among Us
People Magazine names Debbie Sardone in “Heroes Among Us.”
All Moments: 2015 – 2019
Cleaning for a Reason reaches more families, strengthens partnerships, and joins the ISSA family to fuel future growth.
Facebook Milestone
New Organizational milestones achieved:
- 1,200 partners
- 15,000 women served
- $8M donated cleanings
- 200K Facebook fans
New York Yankees honor Cleaning for a Reason during 2016 Hope Week
On June 7, 2016, the New York Yankees honored Cleaning for a Reason during Hope Week. Manager Joe Girardi and players Carlos Beltrán, Starlin Castro, and Jacoby Ellsbury participated by cleaning for cancer patient Marybell Ruiz.
Debbie and Marybell throw first pitches at Yankee Stadium during 2016 Hope Week
On the evening of June 7, 2016, Debbie and Marybell Ruiz threw out the ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium during Hope Week celebrations.
L’Oréal Women of Worth
Debbie Sardone named L’Oréal Women of Worth honoree.
Distinguished Service Award
ARCSI merges with ISSA; ARCSI President Ernie Hartong presents Debbie Sardone with Distinguished Service Award.
Debbie Sardone honored at ISSA Show
Debbie Sardone receives the Jack D. Ramaley Industry Distinguished Service Award, the cleaning industry’s highest honor, at the ISSA Show.
Merger with ISSA Charities
Cleaning for a Reason merges with ISSA Charities and expands to serve any man, woman, or child battling cancer.
ISSA Charities Board Formed
ISSA Charities Board is formed; Debbie Sardone joins as a board member.
Cleaning for a Reason on The Doctors
Cleaning for a Reason is featured on the TV show The Doctors.
Fox News Feature
Cleaning for a Reason featured on Fox News.
Steve Harvey features Cleaning for a Reason
Cleaning for a Reason and Keep It Clean With Raylene, Inc. are spotlighted on national media by Steve Harvey.
All Moments: 2020 – 2022
Despite unprecedented challenges, the organization adapts, continues serving patients, and finds new ways to support those who need it most.
COVID Pandemic Support
Partners continue cleaning for cancer patients through COVID pandemic.
First ISSA Show Fundraiser
ISSA Charities holds first fundraiser at ISSA Show.
First CBF 100K Fundraising Challenge
Launch of first CBF $100K Fundraising Challenge; over 100 partners commit to each raising $1K.
You’ve Got Maids Joins
You’ve Got Maids joins as Corporate Franchise Partner.
First Gala and Awards Ceremony
First annual Cleaning for a Reason Gala and Awards Ceremony held as part of CBF Live event in Dallas, TX.
All Moments: 2023 – 2025
A new era of innovation, recognition, and collaboration celebrates two decades of impact while building momentum for the future.
Ontario Chili Cookoff Launch
John Riches (Previous Board Co-Chair of ISSA Charities) launches Ontario’s first annual Chili Cookoff with tasty food, a silent auction, and fundraising fun.
Cleaning for a Reason Month
Cleaning for a Reason week expands to Cleaning for a Reason Month in April.
Two Maids Joins
Two Maids joins as Elite Corporate Franchise Partner: Two Maids President Paul Ebert pinks it up with Cleaning for a Reason Recruiter Debbie McAdams.
eMaids Joins as Franchise Partner
eMaids joins as a Corporate Franchise Partner.
Premium Partnership Launch
Cleaning for a Reason launches Premium Partnership.
Debbie Sardone Joins ISSA Board
Debbie Sardone joins ISSA Board of Directors.
SoTellUs Strategic Partnership
SoTellUs joins as a Strategic Partner.
Forbes 50 Over 50
Debbie Sardone named to Forbes 50 Over 50 list.
Jack D. Ramaley Service Award
Top fundraiser Kathleen Albertson receives Jack D. Ramaley Service Award at ISSA Show.
The Cleaning Authority Joins as Partner
The Cleaning Authority joins as a Corporate Franchise Partner. Mike Weintz, multisite owner, is recognized as a Premier Partner for his leadership role in advancing the partnership.
Partner Record Set
Maids & Moore of Austin sets new partner record, cleaning for 87 cancer patients in a year.
Inaugural Golfing for a Reason
Inaugural Golfing for a Reason held in San Clemente, CA with ISSA Hygieia Network.
Volunteer Day in Chicago & Toronto
Volunteer Day takes place in Chicago and Toronto during International Cleaning Week, with participation from volunteers from ISSA member companies and ISSA staff.
Debbie Sardone Scholarship Launch
Launch of $5K Cleaning for a Reason Debbie Sardone Scholarship.
20-Year Milestone
1,400 cleaning partners with 100 designated Premium Partners with 6,600 patients served.
All Moments
Explore the complete 20-year journey, from one woman's idea to an international movement.
Cleaning for a Reason Concept Debuts at ISSA Show
Debbie Sardone debuts Cleaning for a Reason concept at ISSA Show.
Official Launch of Nonprofit
Official launch of nonprofit and mission for women with cancer.
First Patients Served
First patients served as partner companies begin providing free cleanings.
First Partner Vehicle Branding
Clean & Simple Cleaning of Lynnwood, WA, is first partner to add Cleaning for a Reason logo to its vehicles.
Oprah Feature
Oprah reports on Cleaning for a Reason; website crashes from overwhelming demand.
First Charity Duck Race
ACI launches the first of five annual Charity Duck Races.
New Milestone
Cleaning for a Reason Week moved to April 18-24.
Kyle Walker, 19, becomes youngest partner of Cleaning for a Reason
19-year-old Kyle Walker, owner of Real World Services Company, joins Cleaning for a Reason as its youngest-ever partner.
Hoover Donation
First Volunteer Day of Cleaning with American Airlines Cargo management team. Hoover donates 400 vacuum cleaners to partners.
Give a Little Bit Rights Donation
Roger Hodgson bestows rights to his song “Give a Little Bit” to Cleaning for a Reason.
Swiffer Goes Pink
Swiffer “Goes Pink” in October (2012-2015) at Walmarts nationwide to support Cleaning for a Reason.
Daily Point of Light Honor
Cleaning for a Reason honored as a Daily Point of Light by President George W. Bush.
Reader’s Digest Spotlight
Reader’s Digest spotlights Cleaning for a Reason as a “brilliant, quirky, uplifting idea that could only happen in America.”
Heroes Among Us
People Magazine names Debbie Sardone in “Heroes Among Us.”
L’Oréal Women of Worth
Debbie Sardone named L’Oréal Women of Worth honoree.
Distinguished Service Award
ARCSI merges with ISSA; ARCSI President Ernie Hartong presents Debbie Sardone with Distinguished Service Award.
Debbie Sardone honored at ISSA Show
Debbie Sardone receives the Jack D. Ramaley Industry Distinguished Service Award, the cleaning industry’s highest honor, at the ISSA Show.
Merger with ISSA Charities
Cleaning for a Reason merges with ISSA Charities and expands to serve any man, woman, or child battling cancer.
ISSA Charities Board Formed
ISSA Charities Board is formed; Debbie Sardone joins as a board member.
Steve Harvey features Cleaning for a Reason
Cleaning for a Reason and Keep It Clean With Raylene, Inc. are spotlighted on national media by Steve Harvey.
Cleaning for a Reason on The Doctors
Cleaning for a Reason is featured on the TV show The Doctors.
First ISSA Show Fundraiser
ISSA Charities holds first fundraiser at ISSA Show.
COVID Pandemic Support
Partners continue cleaning for cancer patients through COVID pandemic.
First Gala and Awards Ceremony
First annual Cleaning for a Reason Gala and Awards Ceremony held as part of CBF Live event in Dallas, TX.
Ontario Chili Cookoff Launch
John Riches (Previous Board Co-Chair of ISSA Charities) launches Ontario’s first annual Chili Cookoff with tasty food, a silent auction, and fundraising fun.
Cleaning for a Reason Month
Cleaning for a Reason week expands to Cleaning for a Reason Month in April.
SoTellUs Strategic Partnership
SoTellUs joins as a Strategic Partner.
Debbie Sardone Joins ISSA Board
Debbie Sardone joins ISSA Board of Directors.
Volunteer Day in Chicago & Toronto
Volunteer Day takes place in Chicago and Toronto during International Cleaning Week, with participation from volunteers from ISSA member companies and ISSA staff.
Inaugural Golfing for a Reason
Inaugural Golfing for a Reason held in San Clemente, CA with ISSA Hygieia Network.
Partner Record Set
Maids & Moore of Austin sets new partner record, cleaning for 87 cancer patients in a year.
Jack D. Ramaley Service Award
Top fundraiser Kathleen Albertson receives Jack D. Ramaley Service Award at ISSA Show.
Forbes 50 Over 50
Debbie Sardone named to Forbes 50 Over 50 list.
Debbie Sardone Scholarship Launch
Launch of $5K Cleaning for a Reason Debbie Sardone Scholarship.
First CBF 100K Fundraising Challenge
Launch of first CBF $100K Fundraising Challenge; over 100 partners commit to each raising $1K.
eMaids Joins as Franchise Partner
eMaids joins as a Corporate Franchise Partner.
The Cleaning Authority Joins as Partner
The Cleaning Authority joins as a Corporate Franchise Partner. Mike Weintz, multisite owner, is recognized as a Premier Partner for his leadership role in advancing the partnership.
20-Year Milestone
1,400 cleaning partners with 100 designated Premium Partners with 6,600 patients served.
You’ve Got Maids Joins
You’ve Got Maids joins as Corporate Franchise Partner.
Network Reaches 700 Partners
Cleaning for a Reason partner network reaches 700 cleaning company partners.
Nonprofit Grows
501(c)(3) Filed, Board Formed, 260 Partners, 1,000 Patients.
First Cleaning for a Reason Week
Texas Senator Jane Nelson declares first Cleaning for a Reason Week, April 26 – May 2.
Fox News Feature
Cleaning for a Reason featured on Fox News.
Two Maids Joins
Two Maids joins as Elite Corporate Franchise Partner: Two Maids President Paul Ebert pinks it up with Cleaning for a Reason Recruiter Debbie McAdams.
Premium Partnership Launch
Cleaning for a Reason launches Premium Partnership.
Debbie and Marybell throw first pitches at Yankee Stadium during 2016 Hope Week
On the evening of June 7, 2016, Debbie and Marybell Ruiz threw out the ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium during Hope Week celebrations.
New York Yankees honor Cleaning for a Reason during 2016 Hope Week
On June 7, 2016, the New York Yankees honored Cleaning for a Reason during Hope Week. Manager Joe Girardi and players Carlos Beltrán, Starlin Castro, and Jacoby Ellsbury participated by cleaning for cancer patient Marybell Ruiz.
Facebook Milestone
New Organizational milestones achieved:
- 1,200 partners
- 15,000 women served
- $8M donated cleanings
- 200K Facebook fans