On Sunday, December 21st, The Footlighters Club of South Florida hosted its 2025 Holiday Extravaganza, where they honored 96-year-old music conductor Peter Fuchs.
The reception was held at Solel Banquet Hall in Hollywood, Florida.
Background on The Footlighters Club
The Footlighters Club is a nonprofit organization that was created in 1956 by entertainers Leon Fields and Hal Fisher.
Its mission is to foster fun, friendship and fellowship among entertainers and musicians. From this idea stemmed The Footlighters Foundation, which supports indigent performers of all kinds.
Over the years, The Footlighters Club has honored such iconic entertainers as Tony Bennett, Red Buttons, Sammy David Jr., Connie Francis, Jackie Mason, Jerry Lewis, Don Rickles, Little Anthony, Neil Sedaka, and Frank Sinatra, among many others.
Musical director and performer Mark “Mongo” Friedman serves as President and Chairman of the Board of The Footlighters Foundation and Club.
2025 Holiday Extravaganza
This year’s event began promptly at noon. It featured a buffet luncheon, dancing to DJ Mongo’s music, as well as a mix and mingle segment.
The President of The Footlighters, Mark Friedman, and his wife, Rodi Alexander Friedman, who is the Director of Events, Entertainment, and Membership, opened the program with a moment of silence, where they remembered their late friend, veteran comedian Sarge, who was a longtime supporter of The Footlighers.
2024 Mister World USA winner and kinesiologist Daryn Alexander served as a guest host, who introduced this year’s honoree, music composer, arranger, conductor and pianist, 96-year-old Peter Fuchs.
Daryn Alexander paid a poignant homage to Peter Fuchs, whose life story of survival, resilience, and musical achievement left the audience deeply moved.
From his journey through the Holocaust to building a remarkable career in the United States, the tribute celebrated not only Fuchs’ immense contributions to music but also his kindness, humility, and lifelong dedication to helping artists of all generations.
Peter Fuchs has been a Musical Director, Conductor and Arranger for over 70 musicals on Broadway and throughout the United States and Europe.
His biggest show was the multi-media Bicentennial production “Hurray USA,” which was jointly produced by the Cities of Miami and Miami Beach with a cast of 600 performers.
Throughout his respected career, Fuchs served as conductor of the South Florida Youth Symphony, the Miami Symphonic Society Orchestra, the Miami Ballet and has composed and arranged music for ballets, motion pictures and musical productions.
Musical performances and tributes to Peter Fuchs
Musical performances and stories throughout the afternoon were entertaining, and each added a sense of warmth and personality to the celebration.
Latvian chanteuse and international Cabaret singing sensation Aelita Neihausen sang a stirring version of ““Till There Was You,” in honor of “Maestro” Peter Fuchs.
Phyllis Green shared witty and endearing stories of how she and Peter first met. Longtime Footlighter member and entertainer Judy Scott who delighted the crowd with “I Love a Piano.”
Last, but certainly not least, his wife, Veronica Fuchs, President of the Leading Ladies, and “President of the Fuchs household” spoke about her husband. Their love story is an inspiration to us all, especially since Peter and Veronica have shared 65 years of marriage, which is a true testament to love, trust, and partnership.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Anthony (of the acclaimed group Little Anthony and the Imperials) and his wife Linda Gourdine were in attendance.
Bobby Brooks Wilson, who is affectionately known as “Mr. Entertainment,” performed an electric grand finale, which featured a medley of hit songs that encompassed such musical genres as R&B/soul, Motown, and rock and roll.
Wilson’s vibrant and enthralling live performance was well-received, especially since the crowd was dancing, clapping and singing along with him.
In addition, many people donated toys for the kids at Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital, which was an added special treat (on top of an already eloquent event). The program concluded with raffle drawings for various gift prizes.
“I can say with great pride that it was our largest and most successful event to date since I assumed the role of President,” Mark Friedman said.
“From the moment guests entered the Solel Banquet Hall, they were surrounded by elegance, warmth, and holiday spirit,” Friedman attested. “Equally moving were the two beautifully filled tables overflowing with toys for the children at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.”
“This time of year always holds a special place in our hearts, as we come together to bring joy and smiles to children who are facing very difficult challenges. That generosity and compassion define who we are as Footlighters,” he elaborated.
The Verdict
Overall, The Footlighters’ 2025 Holiday Extravaganza was an uplifting, heartwarming, and thoroughly entertaining and engaging event, which honored Peter Fuchs. There was something in it for the entire family.
It was an unforgettable afternoon that was filled with elegance, generosity, and extraordinary talent.
It was held in a beautifully decorated venue (Temple Solel) that was bursting with holiday spirit. The event seamlessly blended gourmet dining, heartfelt tributes, and world-class entertainment all in support of a truly meaningful cause.
For decades, The Footlighters Club has been supporting The Footlighters Foundation by throwing events to raise money to help entertainers, musicians, and performers who have fallen on hard times.
Hopefully, this is a harbinger of more high-quality events to come from The Footlighters of South Florida in the near future.
To learn more about The Footlighters Club, visit its official website.
