Would it help any if you flew in, rather than drove? With that kind of money, you could fly and still have plenty of money leftover. You're from the Dallas area, if I remember right (ok, I did an IP check to make sure )... you could fly to Milwaukee for about $750, or Minneapolis for about $550. I'd take Northwest, not American, since the planes American used are grounded for inspections and your flight would probably be canceled. From Minneapolis, they have a shuttle that'll take you to the city where I go to school, and you can ride with me to Milwaukee from there. The shuttle would run about $50RT.
Let me know if you're interested, I'd get something before seats fill up/go up in price
Spongebuell! Maybe but I need to talk to you first get on aim. or better yet call me. 661-345-7840 It's me cell.