Local potters and Cooperstown and Canajoharie high school students made and donated bowls for the luncheon which was held at the Tunnicliff Inn. Soup and bread were donated by area restaurants, caterers and other local businesses and individuals.

Luncheon guests were able to select a hand-thrown bowl, in which they were served homemade soup and bread. After the luncheon, guests took the bowls home to remind them of hunger and empty bowls in Otsego County, organizers said.

Donna Mackie said they began the luncheon with 140 bowls, but those were quickly sold.

Some people finished their soup and gave the bowls back to be recycled to another guest.

``We were sorry for the people who came and the soup and bowls were gone, but everything disappeared so quickly.’’

Monday morning, Mackie presented a check for $2,600 to Ellen St. John, who administers the food bank, which is located in the Presbyterian Church.

St. John said the donation was ``fantastic.’’

``It’s a wonderful gift. The potters have done such a good job and the community was so generous,’’ she said.

Mackie said they plan another luncheon again next year.

``It was a pleasure to do,’’ she said of the fundraiser. ``Everybody gave and gave and gave.’’