The third-annual "Snagadate," a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, will be held this Thursday, Oct. 13, at Aloft Richmond West's xyz bar in Glen Allen, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Former NBC12 news anchor Gene Cox will host the event, and heart-disease survivor Andy Hrabovsky, a professional auctioneer, will preside over live bidding for themed date packages donated by local and regional businesses.

Volunteer Snagajob employees will pose as bachelors and bachelorettes to present attendees with an overnight stay and Sunday brunch at The Jefferson, skydiving for two, a mix of weekend and week-long stays in locales including Snowshoe, the Outer Banks and Charleston, S.C., and a Mosiac chef-prepared meal for eight, among other packages.

Snagadate organizers this year expect to exceed the combined total of $17,000 raised by the event to date.

Snagadate is open to the public. Organizers expect a spike in attendance from a mix of Snagajob employees, corporate donor representatives and individuals and couples from around the area.

Attendees receive free admission and parking, and donors are offered free appetizers prepared by popular local caterer Groovin’ Gourmets. A cash bar will be fully stocked and open throughout the event.

Snagadate also is designed to encourage participation in AHA’s annual Start! Heart Walk, a family-oriented fundraiser that promotes exercise as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, scheduled in Richmond for Oct. 22.

For details, visit http://www.snagadaterichmond.com or follow @Snagadate on Twitter.