Hundreds of lesbians and even a few gay men packed the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative’s recent fundraiser in downtown Atlanta.

Some 300 people filled the 13th Annual Fall Garden Party at the Peasant Bistro, leading ALHI Executive Director Linda Ellis to call it a “booming success.” The event is the signature fundraiser for ALHI, though a final tally on how much the Garden Party raised is not yet available.

The event included a silent auction, raffle and a live band. It also offered the opportunity for the organization to show off its Lifestyle Link, a new online health assessment. Attendees at the Garden Party were able to click through the online survey and receive a customized report with suggestions on how to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

ALHI, founded in 1996, is the only non-profit in the Southeast focusing solely on the health of lesbians, their partners and families.

During the Garden Party, Ellis and ALHI recognized Anne Barr (photo on right with Ellis) for her work creating the Decatur Women’s Sports League, which started last year offering a softball league and quickly expanded to several other sports. Barr received ALHI’s “Dennie Doucher Healing Angel Award.” Barr was also recently honored by ZAMI and the Atlanta Dream named her one of 20 “Women of Inspiration.”

Earlier this month, the league donated $7,000 to ALHI, bringing their donations to $19,200 since starting in March 2007. Registration fees from the league help fund the donations to ALHI.

“I think it’s unheard of to have so many wonderful people to come out for these sports,” Barr says. “It has been just a success because of their participation and willingness to want to give to women’s health. And they are making a lot of friends and it is making it fun for everyone. It is a blessing how well it is going.”

View the Project Q Atlanta photo album from the event.