The Billtown Allstars from left Chris Silvagni, Tim Yasui, Jamie Savco, and Steve Morrow play for a cause the Rockers Against Alzhiemer's Benefit Concert on Saturday at the Genetti Hotel. RASHEED WESLEY JR./ Sun-Gazette

Two organizations came together on Saturday night to combat Alzheimer’s Disease.

Williamsport’s own Billtown Allstars, a local rock group specializing in benefit concerts, played together at the Genetti once again for a good cause. This time, it was to raise funds for Alzheimer’s disease research in hopes to combat and find a cure for the debilitating disease.

The disease has a special connection to the band, according to drummer and band founder Tim Yasui.

“Back in 2012, my mother passed away from Alzheimer’s disease and we were doing her funeral memorial at the Genetti. So, coming back, I came up with this idea that rather than making this another whole traumatic experience, why don’t I hook up with some of my buddies that I grew up playing rock and roll with?” Yasui said.

Those buddies turned out to be Steven Marrow and Chris Silvagni. They formed the Billtown Allstars, along with a revolving cast of members, and have traveled as far as California to raise awareness and donations for various diseases.

At their most recent concert on Saturday, Yasui and the rest of the Allstars were joined by a young man who faced his own hardships, and also happens to be Steven Morrow’s son.

Joshua Fry, who was born with cerebral palsy, was in attendance to make a donation to the band’s efforts in his organization’s name, JoshFund.

After struggling with finding a job due to his condition, Fry’s parents created JoshFund after Fry expressed a desire to give back to those in need. After receiving countless donations from people inspired by his story, he has been making donations to various organizations and causes, said Morrow.

During the concert, Fry presented the band with a check for $500 from the JoshFund towards the Billtown Allstars’ efforts.

In addition to the JoshFund’s contribution, the Allstars were able to raise over $1,750 in donations to combat Alzheimer’s disease.

The concert remained in full swing, with sets from other groups such as Mums the Word, Boom Box, as well as Alan Faust and Yasui’s own daughter Naomi singing the National Anthem.

For the Billtown Allstars, the real pleasure comes from being able to help others while being able to make good music with friends, said Yasui.

“It feels a lot better to play drums for free to benefit fighting cancer or Alzheimer’s research than it is from me to make a couple hundred bucks to play 10 songs. It’s just so much more gratifying to do it for charity. And how cool is that? I left Pennsylvania in 1978 to make music in California. Now to come back and make music with my school buddies? You can’t put a price on that,” Yasui said.

As for Josh, his reward comes in the form of being able to help others, with Morrow describing his mood as “exhilarated”.

“That’s about just as big as you can make it for him. He was just exhilarated the whole night. He’s so proud of what he does.”