This year’s Empty Bowls fundraiser, hosted by the Bay School Community Arts Center to support the work of Hands Across Mathews, was successful, with a record $26,485 raised for the charitable organization thus far, and more yet to come in. Hands Across Mathews’ second vice president Maurine Frank, who organized the event, said that over 400 bowls were sold, bringing in $11,485 because many people donate more than the $20 charged for their tickets. There are still 50 bowls left, she said, and people are expected to buy those over time. On top of that, there was a whopping $15,000 donation from a single donor. “I looked at it several times because I wasn’t sure what I was seeing,” said Frank. Except for around $25 spent on incidentals such as butter and plastic flatware, every dime will go to help Hands Across Mathews provide food for the hungry, she said. It’s all possible because members of the Clay by the Bay Pottery Guild hand-made every single bowl, donating them all to the effort. ...