Key Highlights
- A decade-long tradition of a grandmother inviting a stranger to her Thanksgiving dinner continues to resonate.
- The story gained viral attention on social media and remains a topic of national interest each holiday season.
- Dench and Hinton’s friendship is seen as a reminder of the good in humanity during times of division.
- Social media’s infinite memory and the holiday season contribute to the story’s continued relevance.
The Unlikely Invitation
In November 2016, a simple text message set into motion an unforgettable tradition. Wanda Dench, a grandmother from Arizona, accidentally sent an invitation to Jamal Hinton, a 17-year-old stranger, for her Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 24 at 3:00 pm. Hinton’s response, “You not my grandma. Can I still get a plate tho?” sparked the beginning of what would become a decade-long friendship and annual holiday tradition.
A Story That Gained Viral Attention
Hinton posted a screenshot of the accidental text exchange on social media, and it quickly went viral. The pair has been celebrating Thanksgiving together every year since then, hosting each other in their homes or meeting at local spots. Their story continues to circulate during the holiday season, capturing the hearts of many who share the belief that there are still good people in the world.
“This has been a family gathering that I look forward to every year,” one person commented on social media. “It’s just a story that I think people love to see because they have to be reminded every day that there are still good people in the world,” said Hinton in an interview with USA TODAY.
The Holiday Season and Social Media
According to Ari Lightman, a professor of digital media and marketing at Carnegie Mellon University, social media’s infinite memory plays a significant role in keeping stories like Dench and Hinton’s relevant. “We might have seen the story, but other folks have not been exposed to it, and it creates conversation,” he explained.
The holiday season, with its themes of connection and hope, also fosters an environment where such uplifting narratives can thrive. “The holidays are designed to bring us together,” said Lightman. “One of the things we want to connect with during this time is stories of joy and hope.”
A Long-Term Friendship
Despite initial doubts, Dench and Hinton’s story has stood the test of time. Dench, now 68 and healthy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, has had to adjust their annual get-togethers due to health reasons. In 2022, they opted for a joint Instagram Live to celebrate Thanksgiving remotely.
In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they kept the gathering small but meaningful.
This year, Hinton is hosting their tenth Thanksgiving together, and Green Giant has partnered with them as the official sponsor for their holiday meal. “(Hinton) got out of cooking somehow again,” Dench quipped about the partnership. Both Dench and Hinton emphasize that their friendship remains strong despite any media attention.
“I always knew that me and Wanda would be connected no matter what, even if the media wasn’t there,” said Hinton. Their annual Thanksgiving meal promises to be filled with good food, games, and shared company, reflecting a decade of growing closeness through mutual respect and kindness.
