AUSTIN – The Don’t mess with Texas campaign has earned gold at the 2021 American Advertising Federation (AAF) San Antonio Awards for its TV public service announcement (PSA) tackling the issue of litter on Texas roadways, particularly used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The 30-second PSA, which was awarded a Gold Addy, was concepted and produced by GDC Marketing & Ideation in partnership with Hack Studios. The award-winning PSA features Oscar winner and Minister of Culture/M.O.C Matthew McConaughey calling on Texans to do their part to keep Texas looking clean and litter-free by disposing of PPE in a trash can and not out their vehicle’s window.

“We are proud to have the Don’t mess with Texas campaign and our collaboration with Matthew McConaughey recognized with a Gold Addy,” said Becky Ozuna, program administrator for the Don’t mess with Texas campaign. “The PSA captured the attention of Texans and helped to curb the amount of PPE litter seen in the state which is also a big win for us all.”

The AAF Awards are an annual competition honoring the best in advertising. Each year, over 40,000 entries are submitted in local AAF competitions, which are subsets of the largest and most representative competition in the country – the American Advertising Awards.

Don’t mess with Texas has been educating Texans about litter prevention since 1986. The program includes a grassroots partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful, annual “Trash-Off” community outreach events and the Adopt-a-Highway volunteer program.

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