Or they were really trying to make a point and/or help a cause they knew, by then, that was failing. In which case it seems to have worked. I think this wouldn'

Or they were really trying to make a point and/or help a cause they knew, by then, that was failing. In which case it seems to have worked. I think this wouldn't be as newsworthy had it fallen short by a thousand dollars. And the publicity the project owner will be getting could still be channelled into a happy ending.