Boy sells hot cocoa to raise money for hospital that saved friend's life

DENVER, Colo. -- Not even freezing weather could hinder this boy's spirit for a good cause.

Initially trying to get money to buy a toy, 8-year-old Tristan Regini opened up a hot cocoa stand in front of his home over the weekend. However, when his small business was failing to produce a viable profit, he changed his initiative to donate half of his profits to the Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora.

"I did it for my friend Cade. He went to the Children's Hospital because he had cancer," Tristan told ABC News. "So I'm trying to pay back the hospital by raising money."

Tristan Regini, right, and his friend, Cade, left. (Steve Regini/ABC News)

After customers took notice of Tristan's efforts, customers began to flock to the cocoa stand to support the cause. Because it was too cold for lemonade, Tristan instead sold a cup of cocoa for $1, and $2 for a cup of cocoa with marshmallows. As his business boomed, Tristan and his parents decided that any profits over $5 would be donated straight to the hospital. By the end of the weekend, Tristan had raised $402.05.

"My wife and I were a little apprehensive because it was so cold outside," Steve Regini, Tristan's father, told ABC News. "The next thing you know, he made $400."

"I'm pretty happy because Children's Hospital saved his life, and if there were no Children's Hospital, there would be no Cade," Tristan said. "He's probably the nicest kid I ever met in my life."

On Sunday, March 1, Tristan and his mother visited the hospital to hand over his donation directly himself.

"This gift is particularly meaningful because it demonstrates the youngest members of our community giving to enhance the hospital experience for his peers," Cary Larger, Sr. Vice President of Community Fundraising at Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation, said in a statement to ABC News.

Tristan plans to continue his business so "more money can go to the Children's Hospital." He said he also plans to open a lemonade stand in the summer and a leaf-raking business in the fall.

"He's got that little entrepreneur spirit. This happened to be an occasion to use it for a good cause. This is the first time he's really put it into practice," Steve Regini said. "I'm really proud of him."

"I like selling things to help people," Tristan said. "I like to help the world."