Paris Turns Hospital Room Into a Hilton

Thu., Jun. 26, 2008 7:02 PM PDT by Natalie Finn

PacificCoastNews.com

Paris Hilton is building on her famous name.

Childrens Hospital Los Angeles announced Thursday that the hotel heiress has made an "extremely generous" donation toward the construction of a new 460,000 square-foot medical tower at the downtown facility.

Hospital officials didn't specify the amount Hilton gave, but said her contribution will trick out a double-patient room in the Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, which is slated to open in 2010.

"I am so happy and fortunate to announce my support for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles," Hilton said in a statement. "The children I have met through my [involvement] at Childrens Hospital have truly touched my heart."

The 27-year-old celebutante started volunteering at the hospital following her release from jail after serving 23 days for DUI. Proceeds from the August launch of her eponymous clothing line at the West Hollywood boutique Kitson also went to the kids, some of whom were at the party to fete the arrival of Hilton's collection of relatively affordable casual wear.

"The fabulous new hospital facilities at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles will provide a caring, healing environment for children and their families for many years to come," she continued, "and I am proud to make a donation and lend my name to the fundraising effort to help children who are facing terribly serious illnesses."

Perhaps it really does run in the family after all. On Monday, the Chronicle of Philanthropy named Paris' grandfather Barron Hilton as the No. 1 giver of 2007 on its annual list of America's top 50 charitable donors.

The elder Hilton announced in December that he had earmarked 97 percent of his multibillion-dollar fortune toward the family's philanthropic foundation, which supports a range of causes worldwide.

The remaining 3 percent of his estate will eventually be split among his eight children and numerous grandchildren.