On March 31 , 2011 , the actor took part in " An Evening with James Franco " , a Washington D.C. dinner benefit for 826DC , a non-profit foundation created to help neighborhood students reach their goals , as well as provide after-school literature programs and workshops that encourage them to improve their writing skills . Franco became involved with Dave Eggers ' 826 National after Eggers asked him to do a conceptual idea for the program , and he directed a documentary for them and has since been a supporter of them . At the event , he spoke about how he thought schools needed to be more original with their literature programs . " Writing can do things that video can not " , he added . In April 2011 , Franco autographed a T-shirt that would be auctioned off through the Yoshiki Foundation , with the proceeds being donated for Japanese tsunami relief . On June 14 , he was honored by amfAR , the foundation for AIDS research , at the Museum of Modern Art . Franco received the Piaget Award of Inspiration for his humanitarian work and contributions to men 's style
Japanese tsunami relief
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
James Franco