Fans of Dr. Seuss may hold a special place in their hearts for his final book published during author Theodor Seuss Geisel’s lifetime, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

Count the founder of a flourishing regional nonprofit among them.

“What a fitting title for tonight, as Team Friends celebrates the places they have gone and the vision we have established for the places we will go,” Susan Cataldi said during a fundraiser Tuesday with the book’s name as its theme.

The retired Fox Chapel Area High School life-skills teacher led the way toward the formation of Team Friends, which provides social, educational and philanthropic activities for adults with disabilities.

As the organization its 10th anniversary, Cataldi can boast of well-established chapters in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, along with an Armstrong County group that launched in the summer and another on the way for neighboring Indiana County.

“Who knew? I certainly didn’t,” she told guests of the event, held at Narcisi Winery in West Deer. “And I don’t think the other 17 people who gathered at the Panera Bread at Waterworks Plaza on Jan. 20, 2015, knew, either, that nine years later, close to 170 people would be gathered together in one spot to celebrate the vision they started.”

In keeping with the “Team” concept, the folks who lead and guide are “coaches,” and individuals who participate are “players.” Cataldi serves as head coach in Allegheny County, and her Westmoreland counterpart is Jamie Walker.

Proceeds from the fundraiser, Walker explained, help defray the cost of attending Team Friends outings.

“This year, we were able to offer our events at $10, every single event, because of fundraising from people like you,” she said.

As such, plenty of players were able to visit Kennywood Park, cheer for the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park and take in a performance of the musical “Million Dollar Quartet,” among other affordable excursions.

“We give people opportunities that they don’t always have, and they keep wanting to come back for more,” Walker said. “So that’s why we do what we do.”

Serving as the fundraiser’s master of ceremonies was John Broderick, who donned a Seussian “Cat in the Hat” chapeau for the occasion.

“We are an organization that positively impacts lives on so many levels, it’s actually hard to describe,” he said. “It is a group where, to borrow a line from ‘Cheers,’ everybody knows your name. It’s a place where we share life, and everyone belongs.”

Bianca Roofner, with the Armstrong County chapter, reported participation of more than 150 people for the group’s initial series of activities, including a Fourth of July celebration, summer picnic and trip to the bowling alley.

“We’re having an excellent turnout,” she said. “They love seeing their friends at these events, and we just look forward to them each time we have one.”

Jenna Phillips, Armstrong assistant head coach, provided affirmation.

“I have so many people who rave about this program. They love it. It brings them together with their friends. It has definitely made a huge impact in Armstrong, and families from Indiana come out there,” she said, and she is poised to become head coach of the chapter in the latter county.

Along with an abundance of words on behalf of Team Friends, the fundraiser featured music by Vento, Ziggy, Hawk & McCarthy, including songs from the quartet’s new album, “Four Ever.” A release performance is scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Andy Warhol Museum.

Further music was provided by the Team Friends Players, who led guests in singing the Louis Armstrong-popularized “What a Wonderful World.”

As festivities at Narcisi wound down, the Team Friends founder once again drew on the theme of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

“I truly believe that through the support and dedication of all of you here tonight, we will be in another state this time next year, and someday across the country,” Cataldi said. “Let the journey begin.”

For more information, visit www.teamfriends.org.

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