T.G.I. Friday's in Brighton is holding a benefit Thursday evening to raise funds for a Whitmore Lake woman injured after she was abducted earlier this month.

Courtney Beard is still recovering from the ordeal, officials say. Her former boyfriend, Brandon Smith, is accused of kidnapping her at knifepoint as she left her job at Olive Garden in Green Oak Township Jan. 1.

A spokesman with T.G.I. Friday's said the restaurant wanted to help raise funds for Beard, but he declined to discuss the case.

Courtney Beard

The event Thursday includes a 7 p.m. drawing and 9 p.m. "flair demonstration" by bartenders. All proceeds from drinks made during the demonstration will be donated to Beard.

The winner of a “50/50 drawing" will receive half of the proceeds, while the remaining half will be donated to Beard. The restaurant is at 6800 Whitmore Lake Road in Brighton.

Smith, 23, faces charges that include kidnapping, torture, three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, unlawful imprisonment, assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder, aggravated domestic assault and carrying a concealed weapon.

Police say he drove Beard from the restaurant to a remote property owned by family in the northern lower part of Michigan. Officers found Smith and Beard, who was injured, the next morning.

Smith remains jailed awaiting trial. Beard and Smith have two children.