Despite Business Closing, New Hampshire Charity Tradition Will Continue This Weekend

Dover Bowl Closing

It came as a bit of a shock to both residents and non-residents of Dover, New Hampshire, who would make the trek to the city during a school vacation day or a weekend for an occasional dose of family fun.

Back in February, it was reported by WMUR that after years of being a staple in the community, Dover Bowl will be closing its doors for good on April 29, 2024.

Dover NH Casino

For the last few years now, the building that houses Dover Bowl has essentially turned into two separate businesses -- an all-ages section that houses the family fun center including the bowling alley, arcade, and more, and Filotimo Dover, which includes a poker room, casino games, and DraftKings Sportsbook.

Once Dover Bowl closes on April 29, according to its official website, the bowling alley section will be renovated into "a captivating restaurant, complete with a live entertainment stage and an array of other amenities."

Dover Children's Home

Since the late 1800s, Dover Children's Home has been looking out for local children in need (for various reasons) and offers a safe and supported residence for said children, along with case management, therapeutic services, and more.

It just so happens, too, that for the last 15 years, Dover Children's Home and Dover Bowl stood side-by-side with each other for one of the Home's most well-known, popular, and anticipated charity events of the year -- The Dover Children's Home Bowl-a-Thon.

Dover Bowl-a-Thon

Despite Dover Bowl in the process of preparing for its closing on April 29, the 16th annual Dover Children's Home Bowl-a-Thon WILL go off as planned, albeit in a brand new location.

On Sunday, April 7, 2024, as usual, four sessions (10a, Noon, 2p, 4p) lasting 90 minutes will be held at Bowl-O-Rama on Route 1 (Lafayette Road) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

As in years past, anyone interested can sign up an entire team of 4-6 bowlers or sign up as an individual bowler and join an already-established team. Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of each session for teams that raise the most money, teams that score the highest point total, most creative team costume, and an overall grand prize for the individual that raises the most money.

Last year's Bowl-a-Thon brought in just over $46,000 for Dover Children's Home, and the goal for this year's is $50,000.

To sign yourself or your team up, or to make a pledge to support a team goal, head to the official website for the Dover Children's Home Bowl-a-Thon!