Reinharts, sans Haley, perform at Wheeling fundraiser

Although “I heart Haley” T-shirts were hard to miss Sunday night at a Wheeling disaster relief fundraiser, it was the rest of her musically talented family that stole the show.

The fundraiser to benefit the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders featured a performance by “American Idol” top-3 finalist Haley Reinhart's younger sister, Angela, as well as a set by her parents' band, Midnight.

“It's great that it's a family affair like that,” said Glenview resident Phil Roseman, a friend of Haley's father Harry Reinhart. “If you have not heard Haley's sister sing, she's going to be on ‘American Idol' next.”

About 225 people attended the event at the AMVETS Post 66 at an admission fee of $15, which will go directly to the two charities — a 50-50 split.

“I expected a good turnout, but I didn't expect this,” said Joe Taksin, who organized the event along with Suzan Schmetterer.

The two planners decided something needed to be done to help fund relief efforts following the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and after a successful fundraiser that year, they decided to host a second one this year for flood and tornado relief.

Schmetterer said a childhood friend of hers started the band Midnight with Harry Reinhart and Patti Miller-Reinhart, who also played at their 2010 fundraiser.

Village President Judy Abruscato was also on hand, as attendees watched the band play from blankets and chairs spread across the lawn.

“It's been a lot of fun watching their daughter getting up on ‘American Idol,' yet they just remain a small, hometown band, loyal to their fans,” Roseman said during the set. “They are so humble, genuine and honest people.”

The only Reinhart performance missing would have been Haley's, who had to fly back to Los Angeles to prepare for the “American Idol” summer tour a few days before the fundraiser, Roseman said. The tour stops at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont on Aug. 6.