The Thursday Club’s 85th annual Rummage Sale on March 10 and 11 is a thrifty shopper’s paradise with valuable gems to be found at rock bottom prices — and all for a good cause. The history-rich Point Loma-based organization’s flagship fundraiser has become the largest rummage sale in San Diego County, attracting more than 4,000 visitors and raising $100,000 for a number of community organizations last year alone. Whether an in-and-out shopper or one who enjoys perusing the aisles for hours, first-time visitors to this year’s rummage sale at the Balboa Park Activity Center may be pleasantly surprised at just how easy it is to navigate the various departments within the 38,000-square-foot facility. Sales departments include women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, holiday decor, antiques, sporting goods, electronics, art, linens, designer clothing and even an area comprised entirely of new merchandise. “It is a highly organized rummage sale,” said Nancie Geller, event co-chairwoman. “One of the things we require of donations from our membership is that it has to be quality. You’re not going to have clothing that is stained.” Member volunteers in each department thoroughly vet each donated item to ensure that only top-quality items are put on the shelves. The remaining items are donated to Goodwill Industries, a partner to The Thursday Club and one of the recipients of the organization’s fundraising efforts. All proceeds from the sale will benefit community organizations — half to Balboa Park and its museums and half to community recipients like the San Diego Public Library Foundation, San Diego Hospice Foundation and San Diego Armed Services YMCA. “It’s gotten bigger and better and more revenue-producing each year,” Geller said. Last year, The Thursday Club raised a record-breaking $100,000 for local organizations in Balboa Park and in the community, and the organization hopes to hit that number again with this year’s sale. Geller said she expects attendance to be around 4,000 again this year. “Some people even camp out overnight,” said Geller of the community’s enthusiasm for the annual sale. “Most people know if you are looking for a certain item, you want to be first in line. It’s pretty exciting.” This year, the Point Loma marching band will entertain those dedicated shoppers who waited through the wee hours of the morning with musical entertainment at 8:30 a.m. just before the doors open. Another treat for visitors is a half-off sale all day Sunday for people to scoop up those remaining treasures at a heavily discounted price. “It’s a paradise for shoppers because there’s always such a variety of good quality items,” Geller said. The Thursday Club’s 85th annual Rummage Sale will take place on March 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.thethursdayclub.org or call (619) 224-5264.