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‘Fantasy’ furniture on sale

By Lori Weisberg

If you're in the market for a new dining room set or coffee table but can't afford furniture store prices, look no further than the model home furnishings sale taking place next Saturday in Kearny Mesa from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

And even better, whatever you spend goes for a good cause.

The one-day “furniture fantasy sale,” as it's called, is sponsored by BIA Cares, the charitable arm of the San Diego County Building Industry Association. Up for sale will be nearly all the furnishings, accessories and artwork from several model homes, as well as furniture from subdivision sales offices and other items donated by purveyors like tile companies that work with the new-home industry.

Anything you would see in a model home you'll see,” said Lora Heramb, a life director with BIA Cares. “Without question, these prices will knock people's socks off for the quality of furnishings you will see.”

There will most likely be some sofas priced as low as $100 and accessories for as little as $2, she added. A $2,550 dining room set that includes five upholstered chairs will be offered for sale at no more than $400.

All of the merchandise will be housed in a 22,000-square-foot commercial building, located at 3554 Ruffin Road South. Cash and credit cards will be accepted, and all items purchased must be removed the same day.

Over the years BIA Cares has undertaken a number of charitable projects, including development of a kids golf academy in City Heights and a playground for an Escondido preschool that serves the children of women recovering from drug and alcohol abuse.

– LORI WEISBERG