Sip for a Cause at the 29th Annual Wine Quest 

Quest, Inc. invites you to the 29th Annual Wine Quest event on May 16-17 at the Caribe Royale Orlando. Wine Quest is one of Central Florida’s longest-running wine and dine events, featuring two nights of exquisite cuisine and guests sampling over 200 premier wines and spirits — all supporting Quest’s mission to help people with developmental disabilities experience a full life. 

There is a growing demand for services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Central Florida and throughout the nation. Approximately one in six children are diagnosed with a developmental disability each year, and one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism, according to the CDC.  

Quest has provided adult services for this population for over 60 years and has offered children’s services for almost 30 years. Quest Kids Academy and Quest Kids Therapy have transformed the lives of hundreds of children during that time. As Quest prepares to relocate these children into a new state-of-the-art campus near downtown Orlando, your support makes a significant difference. 

The school currently operates in a shared interim location, but the upcoming Quest Kids Orlando school and therapy center, designed by the renowned architecture firm Schenkel Shultz, will soon accommodate approximately 65 students. Dozens more will receive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy through Quest Kids Therapy.  

“By fostering an inclusive, supportive setting, we are equipping students with the tools they need to build confidence, gain independence and reach their full potential,” said John R. Gill, Quest’s President and CEO. 

Daniel is one of the inspiring individuals from the Quest Kids programs. His remarkable journey started with Quest over 13 years ago. Daniel’s parents, Roger and Laura Hernandez, shared how they initially sought help when their son faced significant challenges in a traditional public school setting. Their search led them to Quest Kids Therapy, where they found the support and understanding they sought. 

“Once we met the staff, I remember coming home and saying, ‘Man, I think we got it. I think we finally got it,'” said Daniel’s father, Roger. 

Daniel began his journey at Quest Kids Therapy at age four. He received personalized support that addressed his unique developmental needs, paving the way for him to join Quest Kids Academy. 

At Quest Kids Academy, with small student-to-teacher ratios, Daniel flourished. Even when he faced communication challenges due to fine motor delays, the staff had his mom videotape every word Daniel knew in sign language, using his approximated signs. 

“They were learning Daniel’s language — not only what he sounded like when he was using the signs but also what his hands looked like so that they could communicate with him. And that’s when you know people are fighting for your kid,” said Laura, Daniel’s mom. 

Today, Daniel is recognized for his enthusiastic engagement and has made remarkable progress in fine motor skills, social skills and self-regulation. He has also transitioned into the work-study program to prepare for life after school. 

“The progress Daniel has made at Quest Kids Academy is a testament to the commitment and expertise of the staff. Their unwavering dedication and belief in the potential of every student have been instrumental in Daniel’s journey to independence,” said Roger. 

Join us at Wine Quest to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals like Daniel. Register today at WineQuest.org.