WINK Taste of Lee gives back to local nonprofit

FORT MYERS, Fla. –  The flavors of Southwest Florida came together Saturday to give you a taste of the best during the 2nd annual WINK Taste of Lee.

Behind every dish, was a charity benefiting from the event. On Saturday, Rob Whan shared his story with guests at the event.

“Caleb was 3 1/2 years old when we were diagnosed. He had a very rare form of leukemia,” said Whan. In 2008, at the young age of four, Caleb went into hospice care.

“He passed away 11 days after his fourth birthday,” said Whan.

A mere three months after Caleb died, Whan was on a plane to Washington D.C. to use his son’s story to make a difference. It’s a trip he still makes to this day.

Whan says, “We advocate in D.C. and spread awareness for childhood cancer.”

Whan created Caleb’s Crusade, a nonprofit that not only advocates for research, but helps families cover medical costs and other expenses while their children fight cancer.

“Our mission is to usher more change and more treatment for rare cancers,” said Whan.

Part of the proceeds raised from the WINK Taste of Lee will benefit Caleb’s Crusade and help families across Southwest Florida.