fundraiser

Kevin Strickland was freed on Tuesday at the age of 62. He had maintained his innocence since his arrest at 18.

It was the longest wrongful incarceration in state history, but under Missouri law he is not entitled to receive any financial compensation.

So his lawyers launched a GoFundMe page to help with his living expenses.

As of Sunday 16:00 GMT, it had reached $1,511,440.

Lawyers for the Midwest Innocence Project, who worked for months to help free Mr Strickland, praised the more than 27,000 strangers who had donated.

ASB Classic director Karl Budge today revealed to 1 NEWS that the Williams sisters will make a special appearance before next month's tournament where they will take on All Blacks Julian and Ardie Savea in an exhibition doubles match on centre court.

Entry to the event at the ASB Tennis Centre will be $30 with all proceeds going towards the rebuilding of earthquake-damaged Kaikoura.

"It's not a bad little sibling match-up," Budge said. "I'm not sure what the girls' rugby skills are like or the boys' tennis skills.

The dinner was island formal and served up a 3-course meal ending with a very large cake saying “Congratulations Miss Nauru”.

While the DJ and MC did a great job entertaining the 80 or so guests throughout the evening, Lucina greeted her guests at their tables during the meal.

The guests also took part in a mini pageant especially for them. Miss Nauru was the sole judge selecting the best dressed male and female, and another prize for the Bold and Beautiful lady, and Handsome Hunk for the men.