A Wrong Number, A Thanksgiving Invitation, and an Unlikely Friendship Celebrates Another Year
Mesa, Arizona – What began with a misdirected text message in 2016 has blossomed into an annual Thanksgiving tradition capturing the hearts of the nation. Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench, connected by a simple digital error, are preparing to share another holiday meal together, this year catered by Green Giant. Their story, a testament to human connection in the digital age, continues to resonate as they navigate newfound fame, including an upcoming netflix film documenting their unique bond.
The accidental invitation stemmed from Dench’s attempt to reach her grandson to confirm Thanksgiving plans.Hinton, receiving the message instead, playfully responded with, ”You not my grandma.” Dench, embracing the unexpected, invited him to dinner anyway. What started as a humorous exchange evolved into a genuine friendship, and a now-celebrated annual Thanksgiving gathering. This year’s party is especially notable as it’s being sponsored by Green Giant, relieving Hinton of his self-described “challenge” to avoid cooking every year.
“growing up, my favorite moments were on Thanksgiving, becuase I knew that my whole family was coming over to my grandmother’s house, and I was gonna see all my cousins, my aunts, my uncles,” Hinton told CNN. He and Dench are also preparing a surprise for their families this year, details of which they’ve kept under wraps.
dench expressed her astonishment at the story’s trajectory. “I could never have imagined a text to the wrong number would end with major media interviews and a brand sponsorship,” she said.
Despite the attention, both Hinton and Dench emphasize the authenticity of their connection.”the only thing I can imagine is, our friendship is genuine. It’s not fake,” Dench explained. “If all the media went away, and all the hoopla went away, we would still meet together for Thanksgiving every year.”
