DUNWOODY-Joe and Roseanne DiBenedetto, Georgia's Husband and Wife of the Year, were named National Husband and Wife of the Year.

One hundred-sixty couples participated in the Feb. 12 World Marriage Day Ball at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia, where the DiBenedettos' honor was announced. This is the second year in a row that Georgia's Husband and Wife of the Year have received national honors. Last year's recipients, Bob and Martha Carpenter, also were named National Husband and Wife of the Year.

The World Marriage Day Ball is held each year in February so that married couples, clergy and others can come together to celebrate marriage. Joanne Machan, co-coordinator of the ball, said that this year's attendance exceeded the previous record by about 20 percent.

"In an age where it seems all the news about marriage is bad, it is wonderful to see such a crowd of people celebrating the fact that they are married."

The ball began at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour to give everyone a chance to get to know each other. At 7:30 p.m. the doors to the ballroom were opened. Dinner was served, and after a short program the dancing started. Couples danced, talked and celebrated until after midnight. During the event couples participated in a silent auction and several door prizes were awarded. Proceeds from the silent auction will go toward keeping the cost of the ball as low as possible.

Next year's ball will be held at the Atlanta Athletic Club.