Holidays Come Early for Maryland Woman with Multiple Sclerosis

Contact: For Immediate Release
Darcie Borden
Jaffe Communications, Inc.
908-789-0700
darcie@jaffecom.com

GAITHERSBURG, MD – December 20, 2006 – At 10 a.m. yesterday, Irene Salazar said she finally believed there is a Santa Claus.

When she opened her front door, she was amazed to see 20 smiling volunteers - armed with trash bags, label makers, boxes and a junk removal truck parked out front. The volunteers were from Clutterbusters!!, a Derwood, Maryland-based franchise that provides professional organization services. They surprised Salazar with the gift of a lifetime — spending the entire day organizing her three-story townhouse free-of-charge.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!,” said Salazar, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, as tears welled in her eyes. “Thank you so much for doing this!”

Betsy Fein, president of Clutterbusters!!, explained that Salazar was selected for the free day of professional organizing because her illness causes her trouble in maintaining order in her home, noting the annual “X The Mess for MS” holiday event has received the strong support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“The National MS Society is continually surprised by the creativity and innovation of our supporters. With people like Rick and Betsy Fein and their organization on our team, we know a cure for MS can’t be far away,” said Betsy O’Brien Anderson, Vice President of Development for the National Capital Chapter of the MS Society.

“This year we have selected an incredible person who just needs a little helping hand,” said Rick Fein, CEO of Clutterbusters Franchising, Inc., the parent company of Clutterbusters!! “We want to bring attention to the fact that many people with MS cannot maintain order in their homes, and it is a very serious problem for them.

“As the clutter accumulates, it causes stress, leading to an exacerbation of their symptoms, leading to even more problems maintaining order,” he added. “It’s a vicious cycle, and a major quality of life issue for them as well.”

Besides the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Clutterbusters!! received support from other local organizations who want to ensure a merry holiday for the Salazar family.

• College Hunks Hauling Junk, which donated a truck and manpower, including disposal services
• Safeway and Giant Foods, both of which are donating grocery gift certificates for Salazar
• Lakeforest Mall, which donated a gift certificate for mall stores
• New Day Massage, which donated a massage for Salazar
• Qdoba Mexican Grill, which donated lunch
• Nikken Wellness Consultants, which donated Mag Steps, which are foot insoles that relieve foot pain
• Sonic Promos, which helped donate T-shirts for the organizing crew
• Jim Atkinson, who provided the photography

Clutterbusters!! holds the distinction of being the first professional organizing company to franchise. Locations include Howard County, MD, Metro DC, and Port St. Lucie, Fla.