Quest, Inc.’s 28th Annual Wine Quest at Caribe Royale Orlando was a huge success! The event took place on May 17-18, providing the community an opportunity to support individuals with developmental disabilities served by Quest.
A Record-Breaking Year for Wine Quest
The two-day affair raised a record-high $419,000 to aid Quest in its mission to help individuals with developmental disabilities experience a full life. Held in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the event brought together wine enthusiasts and Quest supporters for a memorable weekend of celebration and fundraising.
Friday Night’s Grand Tasting
Friday Night’s Grand Tasting allowed guests to sample wines and spirits from over 60 vendors. Throughout the room, guests participated in our Wine Toss for an opportunity to take home a bottle of wine and Cork Toon to have their picture drawn onto a wine cork right in front of them! The exclusive Silent Auction also added an element of excitement as guests bid on an array of unique items to take home at the end of the evening.
Saturday Night’s Premiere Dining Celebration
Saturday night’s premiere dining celebration featured a four-course dinner and wine pairing, showcasing varietals from Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. During the program, John Gill, Quest’s President and CEO, invited the audience to envision life as a parent of a child with a recent developmental disability diagnosis. He introduced guests to Quest Kids Academy (QKA), which provides a supportive education for children with autism.
“The world is not kind to individuals different from the norm, especially cognitive or intellectual differences,” Gill said. “At Quest Kids Academy, we instill in these children that they are worthy, valuable and possess beauty inside because they are beautiful souls and deserve it — because they are human beings.”
The Impact of Wine Quest on Quest and the Community
Laura Hernandez, mother of Daniel, a recipient of Quest services, shared their family’s journey with Quest, emphasizing the outstanding care and support they have received.
“We know the teachers and therapists have truly invested in Daniel with time and effort. We have never worried about his care and safety at Quest, Quest Kids Academy or Quest’s Camp Thunderbird. The teachers and his therapists are like family, and there is nothing they wouldn’t do to help Daniel reach his full potential,” she said.
Hernandez’s parting words spoke to the event’s impact: “Over the years, Wine Quest has raised money, making services possible that have directly affected Daniel and all the others at Quest and improved their quality of life. Because of Quest, the trajectory of Daniel’s life and our families’ lives is forever changed for the better.”
The event culminated in a live auction featuring trips to Napa Valley, Bordeaux, France and South Africa. The Fine Dining Lucky Draw winner also took home $2,500 in gift cards to top restaurants like Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s, Cocina 214, Four Flamingos and many more.
The resounding success of the 28th Annual Wine Quest illustrates what’s possible with an engaged community and a provider that cares deeply about its mission. Thank you to Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, our sponsors and everyone who attended to support those we serve.
