(WASHINGTON, January 18, 2011) -- Independent Sector issued the following tribute after the death of Robert Sargent Shriver, Jr. (1915-2011):

Sargent Shriver will be remembered as a powerful force for good. A devoted public servant, he helped create transformational programs such as the Peace Corps and Head Start. Shriver was deeply committed to the American tradition of service, as he demonstrated by founding Volunteers in Service to America and his devotion to the Special Olympics, founded by his beloved wife Eunice. "His life and legacy will serve as an exemplar of the profound ways one individual can improve the lives of millions by giving back to the community," said Diana Aviv, president and CEO of Independent Sector. "He was a hero to so many people and the impact of his contributions to civil society will live on for generations to come."

###

Independent Sector is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 550 charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation. Its mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the nonprofit and philanthropic community.