Gifts to Applause For a Cause 2026 contribute to...
Applause for a Cause is the only group on campus to write, direct, and produce a feature-length film each year entirely by students. At the end of each year, we host a premiere of our film, where all proceeds are donated to a charity to further our mission of using our love of filmmaking to make a difference in the world. We are the only student film group in the country to do so. Past charities have ranged from national to local-level, including but not limited to Make-a-Wish, the Ronald McDonald House, Portlight Disaster Strategies, and Storycatchers Theatre.
This year we are partnering with a local foster care shelter in Evanston, Lydia's Home, where we host art workshops, volunteer hours, bring talented youth on set to shadow our crew, and will donate all of our proceeds to. Our film is sweet and hilarious, where a college detective is put on a mission to find the school-mascot-performer's missing costume. 70+ film and art students are involved and 300+ show up to our annual screenings.
Follow our Instagram for updates on this project @applause_nu.
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Hi everyone,
Thank you so much for supporting Applause for a Cause. Your generosity and encouragement made it possible for us to complete this year’s film Big Glasses and carry out the work that defines our mission. Because of your support, our team was able to go beyond filmmaking. This year, we hosted art workshops, participated in sports and community events, and welcomed two children onto our set to shadow our directors—giving them a behind-the-scenes look at storytelling, collaboration, and creative leadership. These experiences were some of the most meaningful moments of our project, and they would not have been possible without you. Attached below is a short thank-you video from our team. We hope it gives you a glimpse into the energy, care, and impact that your contribution helped create. Thank you again for believing in student artists and in using film as a way to bring people together. We are incredibly grateful for your support and can’t wait to share Big Glasses with you.
With sincere gratitude,
Victoria, On behalf of Applause for a Cause
140 days ago by KellyAnn McGowanHi Everyone!
OMG Applause has reached its goal 100%!!! Words cannot describe how grateful we are to have received this much support from all of you, but here is a video from our directors on how the film is going and our work at Lydia Home.
Follow us on social media @bigglassesfilm on instagram and tiktok for our updates and raffle info!
Best,
The Applause Team
152 days ago by KellyAnn McGowanWe have officially hit our goal of $750 with your help! This covers crucial factors of production like meals on set, costume designs, and building a realistic set. We have 4/5 more weeks of filming and would appreciate any amount that would help our cause! There is still time left to donate!
155 days ago by KellyAnn McGowanHi Everyone!
Applause for a Cause is over 75% of our goal! Nothing can express our gratitude for you guys! Our filming is halfway done, and much has happened already! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter with a $15+ donation, trust me, it's really fun!
Here are some of the films that inspired Big Glasses: 10 Things I Hate About You, Charlie's Angels, So Undercover, Legally Blonde, DEBS.
Who doesn't love a good chick-flick?
If you can contribute in any way, find our link on our page! We are really close to hitting our goal!
Best,
The Applause Team
156 days ago by KellyAnn McGowanHi Everyone!
Applause for a Cause's goal is already halfway complete! Thank you to everyone who has helped our film come to life and by extension, our charity, Lydia Home.
Today we learn a few KEY details about our film Big Glasses:
1. Winston University's colors are purple and yellow (Northwestern much?).
2. An owl costume is stolen from its rightful owner.
3. A mysterious society?
That is all I can share with you all for now! But more will be uncovered as we reach our goal.
If you can contribute in any way, find our link on our page.
Best,
The Applause Team
161 days ago by KellyAnn McGowanHi Everyone! Applause for a Cause's goal is over 25% complete, and we could not have done it without your help! We want to introduce you all to our philanthropy partnership this year: Lydia Home. Lydia Home is a nonprofit organization that has been serving children in Chicago since 1916. Their mission is to strengthen families so they can care for their children, and to provide care for children when families are unable to do so. They offer counseling and school programs, as well as a loving home where children thrive. Our directors and community engagement chair, Victoria, August, and Ananya, have been in close contact with their staff and have volunteered at their Thanksgiving, Christmas, and workshop events. We will be donating ALL our ticket sales to Lydia Home, and providing as much time and support as we can. If you can contribute in any way, find our link on our page. Best, The Applause Team
168 days ago by KellyAnn McGowan