The Oregon Coast Community College Foundation has announced a major boost for the Ron Spisso Lighthouse Fund for Small Business Success — a $10,000 matching-gift challenge issued by Rob Thompson, owner of Thompson’s Sanitary Service in Newport and a former longtime client of Spisso’s.

Thompson will match all gifts made to the Lighthouse Fund dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000 until Jan. 31.

The college foundation created the Lighthouse Fund this year to honor Spisso’s legacy, the college’s beloved small business management coordinator who served local entrepreneurs for more than 25 years through its Small Business Development Center.

Spisso, who lived in Alsea and Yachats, passed away in 2023.

“Ron helped our business and countless others turn challenges into opportunities,” said Thompson. “He brought out people’s strengths, and his impact continues to ripple through our community. This match is my way of helping extend that spirit of support.”

The Ron Spisso Lighthouse Fund will provide small, timely financial supports to local entrepreneurs facing one-time expenses that can be barriers to growth — such as certification costs, licensing fees, equipment needs, or similar modest but essential investments. Examples include helping a vacation-rental cleaner afford the $450 property manager’s license course needed to expand their business.

“This match will significantly expand the Lighthouse Fund’s reach and impact,” said Dave Price, the college’s vice president of engagement.

Gifts to the fund can be made via the Oregon Coast Community College Foundation. For more information about the fund contact the foundation at 541-867-8531 or visit www.oregoncoast.edu/lighthousefund. Gifts to the fund can be made directly from that webpage.