(Aurora, Ind.) - Aurora Casket Company, the largest family-owned funeral supplier in America, was awarded the 2011 Smart Business and Medical Mutual of Ohio Pillar Award for Community Service.

The Pillar Awards honor for profit organizations that have a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and community service.

Aurora Casket was recognized for its Sentiments and Honoring the Veteran programs which provide families a venue to memorialize their loved ones and donate to a cause close to them. Families can choose to make a donation in the name of the deceased to the American Breast Cancer Foundation’s “Key to Life” program or the American Red Cross, Vietnam Veterans of America or the World War II Memorial Foundation.

“Aurora is honored to be recognized for its community relations efforts,” said Aurora president Bill Backman III. “Our charitable programs and their success is a tribute to our dedicated employees and funeral directors nationwide who go above and beyond for their clients. Any positive impact that we can make is a tremendous success.”

In addition to Aurora’s external relations, the company offers a scholarship program for employees’ children who meet specified GPA requirements and attend an accredited two or four year college.

For additional information about Aurora Casket and its community relations initiatives, visit www.AuroraCasket.com.