I'd also bet that the 48,530/50,000 goal chart is a lie as well. People are more likely to donate if they think they're close to the goal and if they think that others have donated. It's probably a completely made-up number that has been optimized for psychological impact.

Wouldn't be surprised. It's like a store front loading some money in the tip jar so it makes the customer feel more "guilty" for not tipping