NILES — When Brandywine soccer coach Katie Kovac heard that one of her players, 17-year-old Searra Inman, was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash last week, she felt compelled to do something to help, she said. 

Kovac joined forces with assistant soccer coach Brooke Smith and several others who have ties to the school district, including Diane Smith, Erin Young and Sarah Dye. Together, they collaborated to host a Cookout Benefit for Searra.

Proceeds from the cookout will help Inman and her family to cover expenses from the accident. The Cookout Benefit for Searra will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at Brandywine High School, 1700 Bell Road.

Those who attend the cookout can purchase a plate for $8 which includes a hamburger/hot dog, salad, pasta salad, drink, cookies and dessert. Rib tips will also be available for purchase. Additionally, there will be a raffle and silent auction, with approximately 80 donated items for participants to choose from. There will also be music, a bounce house and corn hole for people to play.

The accident occurred on July 9, when Inman was riding on the back of a motorcycle with 18-year-old Dakota Cowan. Cowan was driving the bike east along US-12, when a gray Mercury failed to yield to the right of way and pulled into Cowan’s path, at the intersection of the U.S. 31 Bypass northbound exit ramp.

Both Inman and Cowan were seriously injured and initially listed in critical condition. Police reported that there were five passengers in the car and that two were transported to the hospital for more serious injuries. Two other car passengers were treated for minor injuries.

The accident has left Inman paralyzed from the waist down. She has undergone two surgeries, one for her back and one for her jaw.

“When we heard about [the accident], we were just in shock and we wanted to do something to help,” Kovac said. “Searra is such a great kid and it’s so unfortunate that this happened. We [said], ‘we need to do something.’”

Since their calling to take action, many from the community have stepped up to show their support, Kovac said.

“We have just had random people — people that I don’t even know ­— Facebook messaging and emailing ‘how can we help?’ or ‘I have this to donate,’” Kovac said.

A variety of local businesses donated to the cause, supplying raffle auction items or food for the cookout. With this much support, Kovac is hoping to see at least 400 people attend the cookout. She said their goal is to raise about $10,000 to donate to the family.

On the soccer field, Inman is known for her strength and determination — a quality Kovac has seen her continue to demonstrate since the accident, she said.

“Searra is such an awesome kid. I have been talking to her sister throughout this. She is like, ‘All the nurses love Searra,’” Kovac said. “She has been so positive throughout this whole journey. She won’t give up. She is determined in every shape and way of her life.”

With this in mind, Kovac encouraged people to visit the cookout and support Inman so that she and her family can use the funds to help her continue her road to recovery.

For Brooke, it was touching to see the community rally to support Inman, she said.   

“What we thought was going to be a small benefit blew up within hours and we were in absolute awe,” Brooke said. “It is crazy what happens when a community comes together in the time of need. It has been phenomenal. Searra and her family have all of our constant love, support and prayers. And like they say, ‘tough situations build the strongest people.’ We love you Searra. You are an inspiration to us all.”

Those who cannot attend the cookout can still show their support. A Go Fund Me page has been started for Searra and is available at gofundme.com/standing-for-searra-inman. More than $13,000 has been raised on the page so far, with a goal of $20,000.