Photography by Vanessa Rogers
Shot on location at Burn by Rocky Patel, Mercato, Naples
Martha Fligg
Philanthropist
It’s easy to spot Martha Fligg at the many charity events she attends, with her elegant bearing and striking platinum hair. She and her husband, Jim, a retired petrochemical industry executive, moved to Naples in 1999, and over the years have supported such philanthropic entities as the Naples Children & Education Foundation, for which they serve as trustees. Fligg also is a trustee emeritus for The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. The Community Foundation of Collier County Women’s Philanthropic Network honored her as one of its 2011 Women of Initiative for her commitment and leadership in inspiring all women seeking to make a difference through philanthropy. Fligg and her husband spent their first four years in Naples working on their dream home in Bay Colony, where they lived for 13 years. They recently sold it and are looking for a condo on the beach. The couple wants a simpler life so they can “just shut the door,” and travel to Jim’s native Australia to visit their two daughters and three grandkids, and other places they want to go. Right now, they are planning to meet their family in Hawaii in June for a vacation, since it’s halfway in between, where they will celebrate the birthdays of two grandchildren and Jim, which fall within a 10-day span. Each summer the Fliggs spend a month at a condo on the coast of South Carolina that’s been in Martha’s family for a long time, and travel extensively.
“My mother used to say, ‘Martha, you have to stand up against the wall,’ when hardships arose—meaning, hold your head high and move on with a smile.”
Personal style: Pretty simple—no frills, lots of beige or cream colors.
Woman who inspires me: My sweet mother; no matter what adversities came her way, she held her head high and just simply “handled it.” Even though she is no longer with me, I look to her for guidance and miss her every day.
Secret talent: Still a secret to me!
Stress reliever: Walking outside and on the beach.
Go-to fashion items: I like small bags. Sometimes it might be Louis Vuitton, and Chloe now has a nice little one, but I don’t look for particular designers. I go into shops wherever we travel or wherever we are and I just look for what gets my attention.
Bucket-list toppers: Africa, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; I’ve never been to either. When Jim was working I was fortunate to get to travel the world, but I have never been to Africa and I want to see the animals.
Styling and wardrobe by Rachel Galante and Colette Wetzel, Saks Fifth Avenue
Hair and makeup by Philip Douglas
Facebook Comments