At least 17 restaurants in Lawrence are joining a daylong fundraiser for hurricane relief along the Gulf Coast.

The restaurants will be among more than 15,000 nationwide to participate Wednesday in Dine for America, an event organized by the American Restaurant Assn.

Participating restaurants have agreed to donate a portion of their sales that day to support the American Red Cross’ relief efforts for hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“We realize that some may choose other ways to support the relief effort, but everyone needs to eat that day,” said Chuck Magerl, proprietor of Free State Brewing Co. “We hope, if at all possible, people will choose to Dine for America, with us or at another participating restaurant.”

Participating Lawrence restaurants include Applebee’s (two locations), Chili’s, Free State Brewing Co., Hereford House, La Parrilla, Longhorn Steakhouse, Molly McGee’s, Old Chicago, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Pachamama’s, Dairy Queen (Massachusetts Street location), Taco John’s (three locations), Wheatfields Bakery Cafe and Zen Zero.

For more information, click on www.dineforamerica.org.