Auburn’s inaugural Empty Bowls was a smashing success, according to organizers.

The luncheon benefited the Auburn Food Bank.

Local potters, craftspeople, educators, businesses and schools pulled together to support the cause at Grace Community Church on Tuesday. Guests were invited to a simple meal of soup and bread for $15. In exchange for the cash donation, guests were asked to keep a bowl to remind them of the empty bowls in the world.

A total of 310 bowls were sold, 205 of which were gone in the first hour.

“We ran out of bowls. … and when people there learned of it, a number of attendees approached staff/volunteers to give back the bowls they had purchased,” said Gail Spurrell, one of the event’s organizers. “I don’t know how many bowls were sold twice.”

Debbie Christian, Auburn Food Bank executive director, said the event raised $7,500, a preliminary number.