A man and his new grandma continue a Thanksgiving tradition and will bring others along for the ride
Thanksgiving is a time of traditions: the big game, a dazzling parade, tables laden with food – and Jamal Hinton spending the holiday with grandmother Wanda Dench. The two aren’t related by blood but after one happy accident, the two have spent Turkey Day together ever since. This year, Dench and Hinton will enjoy their eighth Thanksgiving in a row as strangers who became family – and this time, they’ll be bringing in two other guests to join them.
The pair first crossed paths in November 2016 when Dench accidentally texted Hinton’s number, letting him know that Thanksgiving would be at her house and to head over at 3 p.m. The pair went viral and their story became as much a part of Thanksgiving for many households as breaking wishbones. This year, two others can join them for the holiday!
Dinner between Dench and Hinton is in its eighth year, this coming Thursday. But this time, they are partnering with Airbnb as part of a promotional campaign. The homestay rental company is inviting two lucky guests to dine with the pair at her Arizona home in celebration of the new, sweet tradition.
“Exciting news, guys,” Hinton announced on Twitter, “our Thanksgiving year 8 plans are with you! With @airbnb’s help, we’re hosting you and a friend at Wanda’s home this year.”
Airbnb further informed that “Those interested can request to book this overnight stay on Tuesday, November 14 at 11 a.m. MST,” adding that “this one-night stay is not a contest.” Instead, potential diners can visit the Airbnb site and sign up. Booking opens on November 14 at 1 p.m. EST.
Back in 2016, Dench accidentally texted the then-17-year-old Hinton details about her Thanksgiving dinner. However, her number was completely unknown to him. So, he asked for clarification on who exactly was texting him. To this, Dench replied, “Your grandma.”
Well, she is now! The pair cleared up the lingering confusion after this, but after, Hinton teasingly asked, “Can I still get a plate tho?” Dench said she was his grandmother, so when he asked this, she responded, “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do … feed everyone.”
Hinton later told PEOPLE, “It was so unexpected, but she was just so sweet about it. It was a reminder that there are still some good people left in this world.” Indeed, their story has come to represent the spirit of the holiday and the joy that can spark to life when two strangers reach out ot one another in acts of kindness.
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