‘Thanksgiving Grandma’ teams up with Airbnb to welcome strangers for the holiday

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Wanda Dench, an Arizona resident known for her heartwarming Thanksgiving tradition, is once again extending her hospitality to strangers this holiday season. This year, she has partnered with Airbnb to broaden the celebration, and Airbnb has pledged to make a charitable contribution to Feeding America as part of the collaboration.

The story of Wanda Dench’s Thanksgiving tradition dates back to 2016 when she accidentally texted a stranger, Jamal Hinton, while trying to invite her grandson to Thanksgiving dinner. Unaware of the wrong number, Hinton jokingly accepted the invitation, and Dench graciously welcomed him. This initial encounter sparked a strong and enduring bond between the two.

Their heartwarming story gained fame when Hinton shared screenshots of their text exchange and subsequent meeting on social media. Over the years, their joint Thanksgiving celebration has become an anticipated tradition for many on the internet, earning Dench the affectionate moniker of “Thanksgiving Grandma.”

This year, Airbnb guests have the unique opportunity to join Dench, now 66, and Hinton, 24, for an early holiday dinner on November 20th. The event includes a catered meal featuring Thanksgiving classics like turkey and mashed potatoes, along with Dench’s beloved Costco pumpkin pie. Guests will also enjoy activities such as taking selfies, watching movies, and playing board games. Furthermore, they will have the chance to stay overnight at Dench’s new residence in Prescott Valley, located in north-central Arizona.

The cost to participate in this heartwarming Thanksgiving experience is $16, a symbolic nod to the year when Dench and Hinton first crossed paths. It’s important to note that guests are responsible for their own travel expenses. While Airbnb has not disclosed the exact amount of their donation to Feeding America, their involvement is intended to support a noble cause.

Jamal Hinton expressed his longstanding desire to share the joy of their Thanksgiving celebration with more people, saying, “I always wanted to have more people join our Thanksgiving and be able to celebrate with us and have the amount of fun that we have together.”

Wanda Dench hopes that their tradition will inspire others to embrace the spirit of openness and kindness, fostering new friendships and connections. Additionally, there are reports of a potential movie in development that will tell the heartwarming story of the unlikely friendship between Dench and Hinton, further immortalizing their special bond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thanksgiving Tradition

More about Thanksgiving Tradition

• Airbnb Thanksgiving Experience
• Feeding America Charity
• Jamal Hinton’s Twitter
• The Arizona Republic Report on Movie Development