Los Angeles love! Owner of Moon Shadows JD Slajchert I sat down with ET and shared how the California community came together to support his family’s restaurant in Malibu, California after losing to a wildfire in January 2025.
Restaurants visited Britney Spears, Leann Rimes, Lupita nyong’o, Kim Kardashianand more than that, it was a reputable place to be on famous faces and beyond.
“What made Moonshadows so unique is that you can have the most notable A-list celebrities on one table, and the table by them could have a normal family to celebrate their birthdays. It was a real melting pot.
And it’s proof that it’s delving into the love and support that previous Division I athletes have received.
“Thousands of people from around the world reach out to share their favorite photos and memories from restaurants. It was very moving and extremely helpful for my family. I have now been able to navigate this difficult situation and feel specifically how impactful Moon Shadow is making,” he continued.
In addition to receiving Heartfelt messages, the novelist has launched GoFundMe for the restaurant staff. This raised over $100,000 and was able to serve the most popular dishes at the sister spot The Sunset.
“My hope is that we will continue to stick together and remain resilient. …It will be difficult, and although it will take time, I am sure it will bounce back into our community. I believe in LA,” he shared.
The screenwriter has recently faced his own hardships, but has not prevented him from helping others, including those suffering from sickle cell disease, after losing his friend and UCSB basketball fan Luc Bodden to health.
“We think giving back is the most important thing we do. …I believe this simple lesson of humility in my best friend Luc.
In 2017, Slajchert was launched Lucstrong Foundationa nonprofit organization that supports families and children diagnosed with blood disorders, and in 2018 he wrote Moonflowera bestselling novel about their bonds, both of which always inspire him.
“Luco is legendary and I know he can take on any challenge he threw his way, but I feel his legendary strength these days, because he’s no longer with us, I feel a great responsibility to move his message forward into a community that now needs his inspiration.”
“Look tall, love each other, remember that you’re not alone and that we’ll get through this. Remember that bright days are ahead,” he added.
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